Assessing the NY Jets coaching staff’s offensive Senior Bowl roster

New York Jets coaches will work with some top offensive prospects at the Senior Bowl

The New York Jets coaching staff has the great opportunity of coaching the Senior Bowl.

Head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur were a part of the 2019 San Francisco 49ers coaching staff that coached the Senior Bowl. There, the 49ers coaches had the chance to work closely with South Carolina wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who eventually became San Francisco’s early second-round selection.

Samuel has become one of the most prolific young players in the league. Getting a chance to work with Samuel at the Senior Bowl certainly helped the 49ers make their decision to select him.

Since the announcement was made on Jan. 11 that the Jets will coach the National team at this year’s event, the list of players they will have on their team has gradually been revealed, position by position.

Let’s look into the offensive players the Jets coaching staff will have at the Senior Bowl by position group.

Quarterback

• Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh)
• Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati)
• Carson Strong (Nevada)

Most likely, the Jets will not select any of these three signal-callers.

Kenny Pickett had a tremendous season of production in 2021 and will likely be selected in the top-15. Desmond Ridder and Carson Strong both possess the size and arm strength that teams covet and will also be taken early on.

Running Back

• Jerome Ford (Cincinnati)
• Hassan Haskins (Michigan)
• Abram Smith (Baylor)
• Rachaad White (Arizona State)
• Jeremiah Hall (FB) (Oklahoma)

These players are all worth keeping an eye on. There is a strong possibility that the Jets will be looking to acquire young depth to add to their backfield alongside Michael Carter.

Jerome Ford just completed an exceptionally productive season at Cincinnati (1,319 rushing yards, 19 rushing touchdowns). As a prospect, he possesses an exciting blend of size and speed.

Hassan Haskins posted a similar year in production to Ford (1,327 rushing yards, 20 rushing touchdowns). He has a big frame that he uses to his advantage as a runner and blocker.

Abram Smith was successful in 2021 on the ground for Baylor (1,601 rushing yards).

Rachaad White was productive in the passing game as a receiver in 2021 (456 receiving yards).

In Jeremiah Hall, the Jets could potentially look to add a fullback to the offense.

Wide Receiver

• Jahan Dotson (Penn State)
• Romeo Doubs (Nevada)
• Bo Melton (Rutgers)
• Alec Pierce (Cincinnati)
• Khalil Shakir (Boise State)
• Christian Watson (North Dakota State)

Even with the rumblings and reports of the Jets seeking to add a big-time veteran wide receiver, interest in the position will still probably be shown in the draft.

Jahan Dotson headlines this group after a successful 2021 campaign (1,182 receiving yards). He possesses a smaller frame (5-foot-11, 184 pounds) but has the quickness and speed to make big plays.

Romeo Doubs possesses a background in track and field which is evident with the speed he has as a wide receiver. He is a deep-threat who would mesh well with Zach Wilson.

Bo Melton did not have great production this season (618 yards, three touchdowns over 10 games) but could show his skills with a greater opportunity at the Senior Bowl.

Alec Pierce just finished a solid year for Cincinnati with eight touchdowns and 884 receiving yards. He is a bigger receiver (6-foot-3, 213 pounds) who can win down the field and operate from the slot.

Khalil Shakir just completed his best season of production with stellar numbers across the board (77 receptions, 1,117 receiving yards, seven touchdowns).

Christian Watson is a tall target (6-foot-5, 208 pounds) who reeled in seven touchdowns in 2021.

Tight End

• Jake Ferguson (Wisconsin)
• Charlie Kolar (Iowa State)
• Trey McBride (Colorado State)
• Jeremy Ruckert (Ohio State)
• Cole Turner (Nevada)

There is a great chance the Jets come away from the draft selecting their potential tight end of the future.

Trey McBride and Jeremy Ruckert have been two fan favorites among Jets fans.

McBride is arguably the best tight end in this class. He is complete as a receiver and blocker. McBride was productive in 2021 (90 receptions, 1,121 receiving yards).

Ruckert earned a reputation as a blocker at Ohio State. He was not given many chances in the passing game but showed upside when given the chance, scoring 12 touchdowns on just 54 receptions over the last three seasons. The Long Island native grew up a Jets fan and would be an exciting addition.

Charlie Kolar possesses a huge frame (6-foot-6, 260 pounds) that can make a difference in the red zone.

Jake Ferguson recorded at least 300 yards receiving all four years of his college career.

Cole Turner has a long build and showcased consistent production in the passing game over the last two seasons (605 yards and nine touchdowns in 2020, 677 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2021).

Offensive Line

• Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa)
• Daniel Faalele (Minnesota)
• Luke Goedeke (Central Michigan)
• Marquis Hayes (Oklahoma)
• Zion Johnson (Boston College)
• Abraham Lucas (Washington State)
• Bernhard Raimann (Central Michigan)
• Cole Strange (Chattanooga)
• Andrew Stueber (Michigan)
• Matt Waletzko (University of North Dakota)
• Nick Zakelj (Fordham)

Considering Joe Douglas‘ offensive line background, expect the Jets to look into bolstering their group in the trenches offensively.

The top prospect out of this group is Northern Iowa left tackle Trevor Penning. He has been discussed as a late or even mid-first round selection. He possesses the traits to be successful, standing at 6-foot-7 and 321 pounds.

Zion Johnson is a top guard prospect in this class. He is a possible round two target for the Jets.

Daniel Faalele has a massive frame (6-foot-9, 380 pounds) and good college production at Minnesota. He is a day two target.

Both Central Michigan tackles will remain on the same team for the Senior Bowl. Bernhard Raimann has gained some recognition as an early-round selection. Luke Goedeke has some good athleticism and is a possible late day two or early day three selection.

Abraham Lucas is a right tackle prospect with a ton of length. He is probably going to be a third or fourth-round pick.

Marquis Hayes has great size for a guard and will likely be a third-day draft selection.

Andrew Stueber is a right tackle that possesses a huge frame (6-foot-7, 338 pounds).

Cole Strange is an older prospect who has played primarily at guard. He is a day three target.

Nick Zakelj played his college ball at Fordham. He has playing time under his belt at both left and right tackle.

Matt Waletzko played left tackle for North Dakota over the last four years, accumulating 30 games played.