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2020 NFL Draft: 5 players Jets could take in Round 1

By Mike Phillips

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: General manager Joe Douglas of the New York Jets speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Joe Douglas
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: General manager Joe Douglas of the New York Jets speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Joe Douglas /
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IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 23: Offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs #74 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates with teammates after their match-up against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on November 23, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 23: Offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs #74 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates with teammates after their match-up against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on November 23, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

3. Iowa OT Tristan Wirfs

The biggest problem the Jets had last season was with their offensive line, which was an abject disaster. The unit suffered after years of neglect under the Jets’ previous three general managers, but Douglas has made revamping his line a priority so far.

To that end, most pundits are projecting the Jets to look for their future left tackle with the 11th pick in the draft. One guy who could still be on the board at that point is Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs, and if he is there expect Douglas to phone his pick in within a matter of seconds.

Much like Simmons, Wirfs is an athletic marvel for his position, running a 4.85-second 40-yard dash while posting a 36.5-inch vertical jump (which is higher than DeAndre Hopkins did at the combine) and a 10-foot-1 broad jump. Those numbers would be phenomenal for most players, but they are exceptional for a 6-foot-5, 320-pound offensive lineman.

Wirfs played primarily right tackle at Iowa, but he has the physical ability to handle the left side as a pro. Adding a guy like Wirfs to the line could solidify the Jets at left tackle for the next decade, invaluably helping Sam Darnold’s development into a potential top-flight quarterback.

Wirfs’ combine performance excited a lot of teams, so there is a chance he will be off the board by the time the Jets pick. In terms of pure athletic ability, there may not be a better fit for the Jets than landing Wirfs to anchor their line.

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