Why the Jets May Take an Edge Rusher in First Round of NFL Draft

The New York Jets may target an edge rusher in the first round of the NFL draft despite spending lots of money on their pass rush in free agency this offseason

Max Goodman | Apr 26, 2021

After addressing the defensive line in free agency, there's no way the Jets take an edge rusher in the first round of this week's NFL draft, right?

Think again.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer spoke to an ex-Robert Saleh co-worker for his MMQB this week. Based on what Breer was told, don't be surprised if New York tries to bolster their pass rush even further at No. 23.

“Saleh can never have enough edge guys.” So even with Carl Lawson aboard, if one of the edge rushers slides, it’s not hard to see GM Joe Douglas doing his coach a solid and scooping whoever that might be up.

As Breer mentioned, Carl Lawson was New York's biggest defensive acquisition in free agency, coming to Gang Green on a massive three-year deal. Veterans like Sheldon Rankins and Vinny Curry also signed on the dotted line to join forces with Saleh, new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.

The 'Sky is the Limit' For the Jets' Defensive Line

Douglas has also alluded to the possibility of trading up in the first round.

Last week, the general manager said that he and his team are laying the "groundwork" for a move. Could New York jump up a few picks to try and get their hands on a top edge rusher or even move back if they think a certain player will be available?

It'll be hard for Douglas, Saleh and the Jets to pass up on a cornerback and offensive lineman if they're available. That said, if internal evaluations point toward a prospect like Azeez Ojulari from George, Kwity Paye from Michigan or Jayson Oweh of Penn State—and they're available toward the end of the first round—the Jets could pounce.

Paye was included in this piece at Jets Country back in February, highlighting a handful of edge rushers the Jets might target in the first round: Five Edge Rushers the Jets Should Target in the First Round

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Published Apr 26, 2021

MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.