The Jets moved one step closer to completing the signing of their draft class. The team announced that they’ve signed fourth-round offensive lineman Max Mitchell.
Mitchell was a four-year starter at Louisiana. He showed plenty of versatility during his time in college, playing both tackle positions and left guard. 29 of his 37 starts over the past three years came at right tackle, and his performance at that position earned him All-Sun Belt Conference honors in both 2020 (second team) and 2021 (first team). Thanks to his production, the Jets used the No. 111 pick to select the rookie.
George Fant and Mekhi Becton will be locked in at the two tackle spots, while Laken Tomlinson and Alijah Vera-Tucker are expected to serve as the Jets guards. As a result, Mitchell will likely find himself on the bench during his rookie season, but his versatility means he could himself with a somewhat consistent role as a backup.
“We feel like Max can be a versatile piece on our offensive line,” said general manager Joe Douglas (via Jack Bell of the team’s website). “The guy was at the Senior Bowl. He’s very competitive. He’s been practicing at tackle and guard and snapping the ball at center. We feel like he could be another versatile piece to put on the offensive line.”
With this signing, the Jets have now inked six of their seven rookies to contracts. The only draft pick who remains unsigned is second-round running back Breece Hall.