The New York Jets could target one of these linemen that appeared at the Senior Bowl
The Senior Bowl featured numerous offensive linemen that the New York Jets should look to target. I was fortunate enough to spend three days in Mobile, Alabama and came across multiple players that should be on Gang Green’s radar heading towards draft day.
I believe these Senior Bowl standouts are worthy targets for the Jets.
Taliese Fuaga, OT – Oregon State
Oregon State right tackle Taliese Fuaga is a four-year player from Oregon State. He started his final two years and received All-American honors in 2023. He was a superstar at the Senior Bowl.
Fuaga showed quick feet, great balance, and rarely overextended himself during 1-on-1 reps. The Oregon State product is an aggressive tackle who’s always looking to make contact. He brings the type of “nasty” that everyone wants to see in their offensive linemen.
Below is a live rep of Fuaga during Senior Bowl practices. There’s a late stunt displayed that the Oregon State RT easily takes care of.
Here's a 'live' practice rep from the #SeniorBowl. OT Taliese Fuaga easily handles the late stunt. The protection gives Bo Nix enough time to find Devontez Walker, who makes an excellent catch. pic.twitter.com/WBjqbj0B3v
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) February 3, 2024
Fuaga is a 6-foot-6 behemoth with incredible balance. He’s stated that he is willing to play any position on the line, and is athletic enough to become dominant in the run game. He’d also love to play with Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Here is Taliesa Fuaga talking about his aggressive play style the possibility of playing with the NY Jets and Aaron Rodgers #TakeFlight #GoBeavs pic.twitter.com/cAU6znaHBe
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) February 1, 2024
Right now, Fuaga is viewed as a first-round prospect and has been rumored to have garnered interest from Joe Douglas and the Jets. Fans may not be familiar with Fuaga’s game yet, but they will be soon.
Christian Jones, OT – Texas
Christian Jones is a six-year player from Texas, but that experience shouldn’t be held against the offensive tackle.
At the Senior Bowl, Jones was a surprise riser for many. He performed well against Alabama’s Chris Braswell in 1-on-1 drills. He also isn’t scared of failure. For example, he was bull-rushed (and bullied) by Connecticut defensive lineman Eric Watts on Day 2 of practice. Yet on Day 3, Jones was able to stand Watts up and win the rep. It’s the type of competitiveness that’s encouraged in the NFL.
Strong rep from #Texas RT Christian Jones here. pic.twitter.com/xFWXPQDh37
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) February 1, 2024
At the moment, Jones projects as a Day 3 pick. However, the Texas product could walk into camp ready to contribute – something the Jets desperately need in the position group. At worst, Jones becomes an excellent depth piece for Gang Green. And if the talent shines through, the Jets could find themselves a potential starter on a cheap contract.
Javion Cohen, OG – Miami
Javion Cohen started his career at Alabama before transferring and finishing his college career at Miami. Cohen was another player who shined during his time at Senior Bowl practices. Here he is tossing Florida State DL Braden Fiske – a potential Day 2 prospect.
Oh man, Javion Cohen absolutely tosses Braden Fiske. pic.twitter.com/3qSGY2VJRh
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 31, 2024
While Cohen can be a little wide in his stance, he’s a very coachable player with an incredibly high football IQ. I was fortunate enough to speak with Cohen after Day 2 of practices, and it’s hard not to come away impressed by the Miami Hurricane.
My interview with Miami OG Javion Cohen after Day 2 of the #SeniorBowl. Javion had a great performance during live reps and 1v1s. I think he is going to be great addition for some team at the next level. pic.twitter.com/iTn9XsQzvd
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) January 31, 2024
Currently, Cohen is projected to be a Day 3 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He’s a player the Jets should jump on if given the opportunity. While his college career saw him face struggles, he has the athleticism and football IQ to be coached into a reliable player at the next level. And for a position group that desperately needs depth, Cohen could become a diamond in the rough at the next level.
Kingsley Eguakun, C – Florida
Kingsley Eguakun is a player who came out of nowhere at the Senior Bowl. While primarily a center at Florida, Eguakun was seen playing multiple positions during his time in Mobile. A low snapper in shotgun, Eguakun likely projects as a guard at the next level, but that’s not a bad thing in the slightest.
Eguakun has a nasty streak to him, always looking for someone to attack whether it’s in the run or pass game. He does not hesitate to make contact with defenders, often leading to pancake opportunities.
Kingsley Eguakun continued to impress on day 2 of the senior bowl. He is one of the top centers in the 2024 #NFLDraft. https://t.co/lzb0EUJKW9 pic.twitter.com/bhAkb19J7X
— Sanjit T. (@Sanjit__T) February 1, 2024
At times, his aggressiveness can cause him to be beaten by finesse defenders, but the positive plays outweigh the negative. There also seems to be enough athleticism that Eguakun is able to play multiple positions inside the IOL.
Every Kingsley Eguakun 1-on-1 from the Senior Bowl pic.twitter.com/4zr4ZXnYpo
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) February 2, 2024
At the moment, Eguakun projects as a Day 3 pick in the NFL draft. After watching him for three days, Eguakun was one of the more impressive players at the event – both from a results and personality perspective. If he’s available for the Jets with one of their seventh-round comp picks, I think Gang Green should jump at the opportunity to add him to their offense.
