With the 2025 NFL draft approaching, the New York Jets have completed a surplus of top-30 visits and remain fully focused on meetings and visits with prospects. Recently, they hosted a fast-rising offensive lineman for an official top-30 visit.
According to Antwan Staley of the NY Daily News, the Jets hosted Washington State offensive tackle Esa Pole for a top-30 visit.
Pole attended Mt. Eden High School in Hayward, California, where he played basketball. He began his football career after committing to Chabot College, a community college in California, having never played the sport before.
The California native was a two-year starter at Chabot College, where he thrived. He was a unanimous All-Conference selection and a first-team All-Region 1 selection.
Following his second season, Pole transferred to Washington State for the final two seasons of his collegiate career.
Pole made eight starts at left tackle in his first season as a Cougar (2023). He built on that performance in 2024, starting all 13 games and not allowing a sack. The lineman also earned an 85.8 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus and was invited to the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl.
The Washington State product is one of the fastest risers in this year’s draft class. Ranked No. 498 overall on the consensus big board (via NFL Mock Draft Database) as recently as March 27, he now sits at No. 385.
Behind Olu Fashanu, the Jets lack depth at left tackle. Pole could be a potential late-round flier or undrafted free agent target for Gang Green to bolster the position.
Starting for a community college just two years ago, Pole is pushing to be selected on the third day of the draft. Pole’s journey is hard not to root for.
