The New York Jets aren’t ignoring defense as they prepare for the 2024 NFL draft
While the New York Jets are mainly focusing on visits with offensive prospects in the 2024 NFL draft, the team is still doing work on the other side of the ball.
Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz reported that the Jets were in attendance for Illinois defensive tackle Johnny Newton’s pro day. Schultz said Newton showed “elite explosion and power after a Jones fracture that he’s fully healed from.”
Illinois DT Johnny Newton, a projected 1st-round pick, just wrapped up an impressive Pro Day — showcasing elite explosion and power after a Jones fracture that he’s fully healed from.
I’m told the following teams were in attendance, among others:
Bills
Cowboys
49ers
Jets… pic.twitter.com/ggMIiIBkub— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 16, 2024
Additionally, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the Jets hosted Colorado State edge rusher Mohamed Kamara on a visit on Tuesday. Kamara is from the area, growing up in Newark, New Jersey.
Interesting prospect in Florham Park today — Colorado State edge rusher Mo Kamara, per source. From Newark, NJ. Reminds some of Bryce Huff. He’s 6-1, 248. Mountain West Player of the Year. Had 13 sacks last year. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) April 16, 2024
Kamara is a pass-rushing specialist who would add even more talent to a stacked position group. He racked up 150 pressures in his career, including a monstrous 64 pressures in 2023. He also had 14 sacks during the 2023 season.
Newton, despite being slightly undersized at 295 pounds, can be a force in the middle of a defense. Whether causing havoc on running downs or racking up pressures and sacks in passing situations, the defensive tackle can do it all. Alongside Quinnen Willaims, Newton could be an immediate contributor to New York.
The Jets will likely go offense with their early picks, making Newton an unlikely target. Ranked 25th overall on NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board, Newton is expected to go in the first round.
Kamara is a more plausible target. Ranked 112th on the consensus big board, he could go in the fourth round, which is a reasonable part of the draft for New York to begin adding to its defense.
Regardless of whether these players end up with the team, it’s good to see the Jets doing their due diligence.
It would not surprise me if they took a DT early, and with the way the run day played last season, I’m not against it. That being said, I hope if they chose to go that route it means some DT has dropped and they are getting huge value, or they have added some picks.