Content available exclusively for subscribers
Mobile – Whether they play a 3-4 or 4-3 . . .
the Jets need a dynamic pass rushing defensive end, and somebody who caught my eye today during the South practice was Louisiana Tech’s Jaylon Ferguson.
He gave the tackle he was going against fits. What I liked about him is he is very light on his feet, athletic and has a good motor.
There aren’t many standout edge-rushers in Mobile, but he is one.
He led the nation in sacks this past year with 17.5.
One thing that has helped his quickness is that he played at 269 at La. Tech, but is now around 250, and it’s helped his burst.
Another guy the offensive linemen had a hard time blocking was Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat, who can beat linemen with speed or power. He’s going to go in the first round, but three (where the Jets pick) might be too high, but hey, you never know. If he works out well, he could move up the charts . . .
I know the Jets aren’t the market for a QB, but I really like Gardner Minshew of Washington State. He reminds of a poor man’s Baker Mayfield. He’s a tad over 6-0, with a thick, powerful base, powerful arm and a lot of moxy. He bet on himself this year, leaving East Carolina as a grad transfer, and landed at Washington State, where he was outstanding and got some Heisman votes.
To me, watching the South practice this afternoon, I thought he looked a lot better than West Virginia’s Will Grier.
Keep an eye on this guy . . .
The Jets will be in the market for an offensive lineman or two in the draft, and a guard who caught my attention today was Boston College guard Chris Lindstrom. In practice today, he had two great blocks, clearing the way for big runs up the middle . . .
It’s unclear what the future holds from Darron Lee coming off a league suspension and a season he struggled against the run (he improved against the pass).
But I hear the Jets are interested to see what he can do in Gregg Williams 4-3 defense which might be a better fit for him because he won’t have to stack-and-shed blockers as much in his front . . .
There are some very good receivers in the Senior Bowl this year. Two guys who have looked big-time in the practices here are South Carolina’s Deebo Samuel and Ohio State’s Terry McLaurin. They both run good routes, have excellent hands and look like they will be playing on Sunday for a long time . . .
After the South practice this afternoon, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, who is coaching the South, was asked which played have caught his eye.
“Lots of guys, but can’t tell you because people will know we like them,” Shanahan said with a smile . . .
Hunter Renfrow (pictured above) is a player who could help the Jets in the slot. He was a prolific receiver at Clemson, and hasn’t disappointed in Mobile. Alabama could not cover him two years in a row.
There is no question the Jets could use one of those “slot machine” receivers, and he’s one of those guys . . .
January 24, 2019
Premium will return by 9:30 pm on Friday.