Here We Go Again? New York Jets Interested in BYU Tackle

Despite previous failings with players from BYU, if the New York Jets were to go for the best receiver in the first round, Kingsley Suamataia makes a lot of sense in Round 3.
Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Brigham Young offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia (OL65) during
Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Brigham Young offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia (OL65) during / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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BYU may be a school that gives New York Jets fans some preconceived notions of their players thanks to the failed Zach Wilson experiment.

There's one player entering the 2024 NFL Draft, though, that could provide some needed depth to the organization at a major position of need.

Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Brigham Young offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia (OL65) during
Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Brigham Young offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia (OL65) during / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kingsley Suamataia, the 21-year-old left tackle from Utah, is considered a rising name by draft experts after two successful seasons at BYU. His size, athleticism, and overall potential make him a nice project for teams that have starters already on the roster at both right and left tackle.

After a flurry of free agency moves, the Jets are one of those teams that could have interest.

It's important to remember that New York only possesses two picks in the first 100 overall in a few weeks. The limited draft capital could lead Gang Green to taking the best available wide receiver with the 10th overall pick, and selecting a project along the offensive line in the third round. While it's hard to project which players will fall to the third round due to the skill set of this draft class, Suamataia is a player that could fall to the Jets when they make their pick with the 72nd overall selection.

Behind a good offensive staff, Suamataia could develop into a strong starting tackle in the NFL. His athleticism will allow him to play in any kind of scheme, and also possesses the body type to play well at any role along the offensive line. With Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses now manning both tackle spots for the Jets, the veteran leadership they could also provide will help a young player like Suamataia to become a top player in the next few years.

The Jets need to balance between being a team that is competing for a Super Bowl in 2024, but also being one that has it's eye on the future. Moses and Smith aren't under contract past this season, so having quality young players ready to go for when they are either hurt, or leaving, will be important.

New York may not be willing to draft an offensive lineman with the 10th overall pick, but they could find the depth needed along the position group in the later rounds with as deep a class as this one.


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Nick Faria
NICK FARIA

Nick covers the NFL for Sports Illustrated/FN. He was previously on the New York Jets' beat for AM New York with prior experience reporting on the New York Islanders and the Philadelphia Eagles. The New York City resident is also an Adjunct Professor at LIU Brooklyn.