Jets Country

Four Offensive Linemen Worth Serious Look from Jets After NFL Combine Performances

Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski, BYU’s Blake Freeland, UCLA’s Jon Gaines and Eastern Michigan's Sidy Sow should be on New York’s draft radar

Ralph Ventre

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It’s arguably the most-entertaining part of the week-long television program.

On Sunday, the offensive linemen engaged in on-field workouts at the National Football League Combine in Indianapolis.

Whether he was watching from on site or tuned into the NFL Network telecast, New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas saw a handful of linemen worthy of the No. 13 selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Even if the Jets opt to address a different position of need in Round 1, the odds are in favor of Douglas drafting an offensive lineman somewhere along the way.

Here’s a look at four offensive linemen (two tackles, two interior) who should be on the Jets’ draft radar after testing well at the NFL Combine...

OT Peter Skoronski, Northwestern

The highly-touted Skoronski saw his draft stock take a small hit during measurements. The three-time All-Big Ten Conference honoree recorded a 32.5” arm length, which is on the short side for an NFL lineman.

Skoronski, who is the “most-polished” offensive tackle in the 2023 NFL Draft class according to NFL Draft Bible on FanNation, subsequently impressed during Sunday’s on-field workouts.

He ran an average 40-yard dash (5.16), but produced first-class marks in the jumps. The 6-foot-4 bookend, who could possibly kick inside to guard in the NFL, finished second overall amongst all offensive line participants in the broad jump (9’7”) and vertical jump (34.5”).

OT Blake Freeland, Brigham Young

The big boy from BYU may have been Sunday’s biggest “money maker.”

Freeland earned the highest “athleticism score” of all offensive tackle participants, earning an 88 from @NextGenStats (bench press was not factored in).

The 6-foot-8 Freeland flew through the 40-yard dash, clocking in at 4.98s. In addition to being one of five offensive linemen to record a sub-5.0 40 time, he registered the fourth-fastest 3-cone drill (7.46).

Freeland accounted for the top-ranked marks in both the vertical jump (37”) and the broad jump (10’). The 37-inch vertical was the highest ever recorded by an offensive lineman at the NFL Combine.

Initially labeled as a middle-round pick by NFL Draft Bible, Freeland, a four-year starter with the Cougars, will be jumping up draft boards following his performance in Indianapolis.

iOL Jon Gaines, UCLA

Gaines showed great versatility throughout four full seasons at UCLA and his NFL Draft stock is on the way up following an amazing display of athleticism at the Combine.

The two-year starter, who made 45 career appearances for the Bruins, accounted for a 98 “athleticism” score from NFL @NextGenStats to lead all interior offensive line participants.

Gaines posted the fastest three-cone drill (7.31) and 20-yard shuttle (4.45) of the entire offensive line group. He clocked in at 5.01s for the 40-yard dash, ranking six overall amongst all offensive linemen. The 6-foot-4 Gaines accounted for the third-best marks in both the broad jump (9’6”) and vertical jump (32.5”).

Gaines made all 13 starts at right guard as a senior. In 2021, he made two starts at center, one at tackle and nine at guard. He’s viewed as a possible center and guard by NFL teams.

iOL Sidy Sow, Eastern Michigan

The Canadian-born Sow was a mainstay on Eastern Michigan’s offensive line, appearing in a program-record 56 games (54 starts) over five seasons.

The three-time All-Mid-American Conference selection made his presence felt during NFLPA Bowl Week in Pasadena before testing well at the NFL Combine. Noting that Sow “played his way to a potential draftable grade” at the annual senior all-star game, Ric Serritella (NFL Draft Bible on FanNation) spoke highly of the Eastern Michigan alumnus.

“... the Quebec native possesses an impressive blend of strength, bend and nastiness. Sow plays physical and does a nice job getting into the second level,” said Serritella while tabbing Sow as one of “five money-makers" from the NFLPA Bowl American Team.

On Sunday in Indianapolis, Sow finished as the ninth-fastest offensive lineman in both the 40-yard dash (5.07) and 20-yard shuttle (4.69). Amongst interior linemen, his 9’2” broad jump ranked fifth while his three-cone drill (7.62) was second to only Jon Gaines.

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Ralph Ventre
RALPH VENTRE

Ralph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20 years of media experience to the New York Jets beat. Prior to concentrating on Gang Green, he covered the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. The veteran sports media professional resides in his native state of New Jersey.

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