In this continuation of the series, jet‘If you want the biggest team in the next draft, is it time to ask whether the highly regarded Broderick Jones should be picked in the opening round?
Not the 13th pick (Jets pick).
This Georgia left tackle evokes an unpolished version of Chris Samuels’ six-time Pro Bowl left tackle, who played for Washington between 2000 and 2009, but the key words in that statement are: Not sophisticated.
When it comes to scouting, he’s rough around the edges, but very talented.
Where does this Bulldogs blocker sit on the draft board?
From pick number 25 to the end of the first round.
Can the Jets reach Jones?
While it’s possible, I wouldn’t recommend doing so if you were at the team’s pre-draft meeting. Jones blocks like a boxer with a tenacious linebacker mentality. He has a unique style that the NFL’s best pass rushers will definitely test.
Jones hopes to take his share of the loss before becoming heavyweight block champion at the next level.
Jones’ biggest challenge is maintaining lateral footwork in pass protection. He too often found himself in an out-of-control chase position, even against college-level competition.
The NFL just raises the level of competition.
Blocking execution is also a Jones problem. He pushes and pushes aggressively, but is not very good at maintaining run blocks.
Without a doubt, Jones would be an immediate upgrade, like adding hot water to oatmeal.
The left tackle picture for this team is frankly bleak.
New York has to do something in this position.
New York can cross their fingers and go back to hoping 2020 first-round LT Mekhi Becton does well.
The Jets signed veteran LT Duane Brown before the start of last season and he has fared well through a shoulder injury. Brown says he will be 38 by the start of the season and could very well be a cap casualty.
Underrated offensive tackle George Fant, an unrestricted free agent, is all but gone. Last year’s fourth-round pick, offensive his tackle Max Mitchell dealt with a serious blood clot problem. No one knows when or if he will return.
As I said before, things aren’t very good for LT right now.
The idea of adding an expensive free agent to the mix is also out of the question for the capped Jets, who will fully return to Jones’ potential in this April’s draft.
Broderick Jones Grading
6ft 4, 310lbs
2021 Game Movie Reviews: Georgia Tech, Missouri, Tennessee
2022 Gaming Movie Reviews: South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee
Grade: 1st Round (Late – Elite Potential)
Jets Talent Upgrade: Yes
scout report
An athletic and super-aggressive bully with long arms and great playing strength, he is better at pass protection than run blocking. Brings a defensive spirit to the attacking side of the ball. The shallow pocket depth sets it up nicely, but the backdoor shielding is inconsistent. We try our best to compensate, but in situations where the back edge is pushed hard, we lose control.
It flows inside easily against the inside pass rush. There is a light on the reverse side, which creates a problem for an authoritative bull rush. Pick up stunts with quick reaction time. Blocking travel initially creates and seals a travel lane, but is very difficult to maintain for long periods of time. Highly developed.
Conclusion:
Jones is intriguing, but he’s not the finished product. His lateral footwork in pass protection needs coaching and work.
We’re not talking about polished left tackle LaShawn Slater (No. 13) when he comes out of Northwestern in 2021.
Jones is a fighter that makes his team proud, but not the kind of plug-and-play prospect Slater had with the Chargers. It’s a long term project and will experience growing pains.
No one spends that kind of time with the Jets. No one in management or coaching has that kind of time.
Jones isn’t someone the Jets need to pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
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