Day 3 of the NFL draft is always overlooked, but when it comes to roster building, it can play a pivotal role.
While successful organizations almost always capitalize on their top selections, they find value in the later rounds and find contributors who outplay their draft stock. The Jets saw that firsthand last year, with Day 3 rookies like Malachi Moore and Kiko Mauigoa showing flashes of becoming reliable pieces.
One area the Jets should target today and look to optimize value is the offensive line.
Jets should look to add OL depth on Day 3
The Jets’ starting offensive line is pretty much set. The only area where you could argue the team could upgrade is at center while moving Josh Myers to a depth role.
Gang Green does need to upgrade their depth, though.
Currently, Max Mitchell, Xavier Newman, and Chukwuma Okorafor are listed as the team’s top backup offensive linemen. All three of those guys are far too inconsistent to be counted on as primary backups.
The Jets should be keeping a close eye on players like Kansas’ Sam Hecht.
After walking on at Kansas, Hecht spent the last two seasons as the Wildcats’ starting center. During the 2025 season, he allowed zero sacks and zero quarterback hits in over 390 pass-blocking reps, while earning an 80.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, the third-highest among qualified FBS centers.
Another name to look at is Auburn’s Connor Lew.
A three-year starter at Auburn, he is just 20 years old and has the potential to be an upgrade over Myers at center. There were high expectations for him last season, but he tore his ACL, limiting him to just seven games.
Whether it’s Hecht, Lew, or someone else, the Jets must look to improve their depth up front today.
