Jets GM has interest in 1 particular player for NFL Draft?

Feb 28, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets would be wise to place an emphasis on protecting Aaron Rodgers next season, and it sounds like they could work toward doing that with one of their early draft selections.

According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Jets general manager Joe Douglas has been eyeing Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga for several months.

Apple of his eye? #Jets GM Joe Douglas has an affinity for Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga, according to buzz in scouting circles. Has been eyeing him for months, I’m told. Fuaga is attending the Senior Bowl this week.

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) January 30, 2024

“Apple of his eye? #Jets GM Joe Douglas has an affinity for Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga, according to buzz in scouting circles,” Cimini reported on Tuesday. “Has been eyeing him for months, I’m told. Fuaga is attending the Senior Bowl this week.”

This year’s draft class is viewed as being incredibly deep at offensive tackle. Most analysts predict that seven or eight tackles will be taken in the first round. The Jets currently have the 10th overall pick, and the consensus is that they will take a tackle at that spot.

Fuaga was a starter for two seasons at Oregon State and is viewed as being NFL-ready. With Rodgers rehabbing from a torn Achilles, the Jets will likely do everything they can this offseason to make sure their offensive line is as talented and deep as possible. Drafting Fuaga would be a good start.