Defensive Tackles - 2024 NFL Draft

Edition #551

Good morning! ☕

A signing who was released without ever playing, has Zach Wilson played his last game for the Jets? Who’s been ruled out for Sunday? Has the Jet’s offence really improved? Plus four prospects who the Jets may be interested in when it comes to the draft and defensive tackles.

It’s time for another edition of TJW.

😬 I missed this from yesterday’s newsletter, but the Jets released veteran guard Rodger Saffold on Tuesday. Joe Douglas signed him in the middle of the injury crisis and I quite liked the potential of that signing. He had a history of success and had worked with Keith Carter in Tennessee…but he never made it to the active roster, despite the injuries suffered by the Jets. 24 hours after he was released, he was signed by the playoff-bound Cleveland Browns and our old friend Bill Callahan, who knows a thing or two about offensive linemen. I wouldn’t be shocked if he was activated and played well for the Browns.

⛔ Zach Wilson has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots, with the third-year player having failed to clear concussion protocol. Robert Saleh reiterated his belief that Wilson will enjoy a long NFL career, but when asked if that would be with the Jets, he simply said “We’ll see”. My expectation is that the Jets will trade Zach this off-season and I actually think it may be the best thing for him. If he has played his last game for the Jets, he’ll leave with a 12-21 record, 57% completion with 23 touchdowns to 25 interceptions as well as 5 rushing touchdowns.

⛔ Jeremy Ruckert and Jake Hanson were both ruled out for Sunday, that’s a tough blow for both considering they were likely to get significant opportunities in the season finale.

🔙 Offensive guard Wes Schweitzer will return to practice today, but its unclear if he’ll play on Sunday considering he’s been out for a while.

🤔 Robert Saleh reiterated his belief in Nathaniel Hackett and pointed out that the Jets’ offence has improved since the Atlanta game. The Jets are still averaging 15.7 points per game, hold the 32nd-ranked red zone offence scoring touchdowns on just 34.29% of trips and possess the 32nd-ranked third-down offence, converting 26.36%. Pointing at this improvement is like having a huge hole in your boat and a small hole in your boat, plugging the small hole with chewing gum and thinking the job is done.

🗳️ CB Sauce Gardner and DT Quinnen Williams were named starters in the Pro bowl. There were many alternatives including K Greg Zuerlein (first alternate), P Thomas Morstead (first), LB C.J. Mosley (third), RB Breece Hall (fifth), LB Quincy Williams (fifth) and DE/LB Jermaine Johnson (fifth). I'm pretty surprised that Quincy is a fifth alternative, I thought he did enough to start, he's been one or the best LB’ers in football this season. #JetsTax

🌟 Thanks to Rich Cimini for this one: “Gardner becomes only the second player in franchise history to be named to Pro Bowls in each of his first two seasons. The other: S Erik McMillan (1988-89).”

🟢⚪ Yesterday I wrote about the need to improve the interior of the defensive line, certainly not a priority over offensive line help and adding playmakers, but a need nonetheless.

As you saw I mentioned T’Vondre Sweat, the Texas wrecking machine. But when all is said and done he’s probably going to be a high 2nd round pick, if not a middle to late first-round pick.

Is he in play? Potentially, but only if the Jets move down and add more picks. They’d also need to have added key personnel on the offensive line and in the receiver room through free agency.

The same can be said for the other top defensive tackles in the draft. Jer'Zhan Newton from Illinois, Leonard Taylor III from Miami and Kris Jenkins from Michigan. You could also say the same for Brandon Dorlus from Oregon and Mekhi Wingo from LSU.

In case you haven’t already guessed, the 2024 draft is absolutely loaded with defensive tackle talent. I’d argue that it’s one of the strongest position groups in the draft.

John asked for my thoughts on some of the mid-round defensive tackle prospects, so I thought it made sense to put a little piece together here highlighting five guys that I really like.

At the end of this piece, I’ll pick the player I’d go with if available in the third or fourth round when the Jets get on the clock.