New York Jets Interested in Rising Oklahoma Draft Prospect Jonah Laulu

Oklahoma defensive tackle Jonah Laulu is an athletic, versatile target for the New York Jets' defensive line depth.

Sep 2, 2023; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jonah Laulu (8) reacts during / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

As the New York Jets survey their options ahead of the NFL Draft, they’ll be paying close attention to the fluctuating stocks of potential targets.

From hoping one of the draft’s top talents falls to No. 10 to identifying a landing spot for a potential trade down, monitoring this movement is critical. But it also isn’t limited to Round 1.

On Day 3, New York’s journey to add depth to its defense could land them a late-rising prospect who’s yet to appear on many fans’ radars.

Sep 2, 2023; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jonah Laulu (8) reacts during / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma defensive tackle Jonah Laulu is one such prospect.

In an interview with The Draft Network, Laulu spoke about his vision for the next level and the interest he has garnered thus far in the draft cycle.

“I’ve met with a few teams both virtually and in person,” Laulu said. “I met with the Raiders, Jets, and 49ers at Pro Day. I’ve also met with the Seahawks, Jets, and Colts virtually. I’ve been in touch with a good amount of teams.”

Perhaps New York double-dipping its visits is a sign of interest. On paper, he makes sense, too. Laulu is a smaller defensive tackle – weighing in at just 292 pounds – but his athleticism stands out. Boasting an elite 4.96-second 40-yard dash and the explosiveness metrics to match, Laulu projects as a versatile lineman who can be a defensive end or three-tech at the next level.

The Jets re-signed defensive tackle Solomon Thomas and acquired Leki Fotu and Javon Kinlaw to play next to him, but a younger, more dynamic addition to the defensive line rotation would likely be welcomed – especially from the fanbase, since the two tackle signings weren’t universally beloved.

Laulu has a knack for penetrating the offensive line, something the lineman attributes to his mindset.

“Something just clicks for me. Sometimes I feel like I’ve already made the play before I made it,” Laulu said. “It’s like a mindset when I get myself into that zone. Nobody can block me when I feel like that. I just feel dominant. When people say they get into their zone, I know what that feels like. I feel like I’m unblockable sometimes and I can do whatever I want with the offensive linemen.

“I have a natural knack for the game. I was born to play football.”

That’s a lot of confidence for a prospect without a ton of fanfare, but there’s reason to be excited. Despite lacking enormous production numbers, Laulu has graded out well by Pro Football Focus’ measures since transferring from Hawaii – and he’s shown continued improvement as a pass rusher.

He’s not a finished product, but his versatility and athleticism pair well with the dominant reps he has occasionally put on tape. In New York, he’d have a strong supporting cast around him and an environment proven to develop defensive linemen.

“I can’t wait to contribute to a team at the next level,” Laulu said. “I can rush the passer on third down. I can play defensive end on base downs and stuff the run. … I want to be the best.”