5 Players for New York Jets to watch closely at the NFL Combine

Fans of the New York Jets should pay close attention to the group of edge rushers, offensive lineman and running backs at the NFL Combine this weekend.

The NFL Scouting Combine is officially upon us and as the drills are set to take place this weekend, the New York Jets find themselves in need of several improvements on their roster. Needing upgrades along their offensive line, at running back, and on the edge, it is safe to say this is where the majority of their time and energy will be exhausted.

New York currently sits with $105 million to play with in an offseason loaded with free agent talent, so while receiver is also a need, expect the Jets to hit that position hard in free agency and in the later rounds of the draft. Luckily for the Jets, this happens to be a very deep class of offensive lineman and edge rushers, two positions that desperately need upgraded.

With only six picks in the upcoming draft, the Jets are going to have to nail the assets that they have, but do not be surprised to see them move back in the draft and trade the third overall pick with a quarterback needy team and add draft assets just one year after acquiring the third pick to take Sam Darnold. Before testing is set to begin, here are five names to keep a close watch on that the Jets could have their sights set on once the end of April rolls around.

Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson

In the latest version of a mock draft, the New York Jets pegged Clelin Ferrell as their pass rusher of the future edge rusher. The Clemson product finished his Junior season with a bang by dominating Alabama left tackle and future first round pick Jonah Williams in the national championship game. Looking like a top-five lock, Ferrell has little to prove heading into the Combine.

The number three overall pick is quite a tasty asset for a quarterback needy team to move up and acquire, and if the Jets can get a haul it would be hard to see them pass on that. However, if he tests off the charts, he could force the Jets into a position to not want to trade the third overall pick but rather secure it in order to draft an elite pass rusher such as himself.

Jordan Jenkins was the leading pass rusher from a year ago, with less than ten sacks. Needless to say, the Jets are in need of some high caliber ammunition off of the edge. If the Jets decide to keep the third overall pick, they’ll have a hard time passing on Ferrell as a cornerstone of their defense for years to come assuming Nick Bosa and Quinnen Williams are both off of the board.