NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets Taking Offensive Tackle Or Tight End?

If the Jets decide not to add a pass-catcher for Aaron Rodgers, further offensive line help is the plan at No. 10. Could it be Oregon State's Taliese Fuaga?

Nov 19, 2022; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (75) against / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Will the New York Jets draft an offensive lineman or pass-catcher for star quarterback Aaron Rodgers to work with next season? At No. 10 overall, New York never expected to have such a premium pick this time last year, but Rodgers tearing his Achilles changed the entire pendulum in all the wrong ways.

The Jets’ disappointing finish led them here, a spot they hope a true game-changer can be added to the fold for immediate help. So, what does the latest batch of mock drafts say? Let’s analyze the latest national one, this time pivoting away from popular names like Washington’s Rome Odunze and Georgia’s Brock Bowers.

Say hello to massive Oregon State offensive tackle prospect Taliese Fuaga. In CBS Sports’ latest mock draft, New York selects Fuaga at No. 10, providing additional protection for their soon-to-be 40-year-old signal-caller.

Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon State offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (OL24) during the / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

“My gut tells me that offensive tackle is still very much in the realm of possibility for New York. If the Jets do not take an opportunity to get a tackle now, then they could be in a position to address both again next offseason,” CBS wrote. “Joe Douglas comes from a Philadelphia situation that does not believe a team can over-invest in the offensive line. Fuaga can play guard for a year and then bump out to right tackle next year or provide insurance in the event that one of the 33-year-olds get injured.”

Fuaga is a monster of a prospect, checking in physically at 6’5 3/4” and 324 pounds. Fuaga’s fluidity at the NFL Scouting Combine shined through — 88th percentile vertical jump (32 inches) and 85th percentile broad jump (111 inches) — helping push him into the top 10 discussion.

The former Oregon State Beaver projects to play tackle on the next level, either side, but there’s also the potential to kick him inside to guard for immediate playing time. If Fuaga’s testing was flipped over to guard, his percentiles would be at even more elite figures.

“Arguably the top run-blocking lineman in the draft, Fuaga is quick into contact and creates immediate displacement with his aggressive mentality and stiff, controlled hands,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote on Fuaga. “Though he has functional athleticism and technique for the edges, his first reflex is to use his hands in pass pro, which can lead him to over or under-setting against pass-rush counters (and highlights his lack of elite range and length). Some teams project him inside at guard, while others want to keep him at tackle.”

Whether it be kicking Fuaga inside or letting him further develop behind veterans Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, he checks a lot of boxes Joe Douglas will prioritize at No. 10 overall.

If the Jets decide not to add a weapon for Rodgers in the first round, offensive line is the next best bet. Fuaga would certainly fit the billing as a blue-chip prospect for the Jets’ further improving trench units.