The Blueprint to Protect Geno (and the Future)
The Jets’ recent trade with the Las Vegas Raiders brought Smith back to where it all began. But a one-year, restructured contract proves Smith is merely a bridge. The real target? Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Simpson dominated his Pro Day this week, confidently calling himself a franchise leader. If New York pulls the trigger on Simpson at pick No. 33 to sit and learn behind Smith, they need cheap, moldable muscle to protect their investment.
Enter Harkey. He played 735 snaps for the Ducks in 2025, surrendering exactly zero sacks. You read that right. He brings a stout frame and natural power to the point of attack. Standing near the turf at the Scouting Combine, you could feel the ground thud when Harkey hit the blocking sleds. He moves with a heavy, deliberate violence. While his footwork and leverage need refinement, he offers immense value as a rotational piece behind Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou. General Manager Joe Douglas loves developmental linemen, and Harkey fits the exact physical profile the Jets target on Day 3.
Harkey’s path wasn’t a straight line. From Tyler Junior College to Colorado, Texas State, and finally Oregon, he had to fight for every single snap. That grinder mentality resonates perfectly in a blue-collar city like New York. Fans appreciate a player who earns his spot through sheer force of will.
“I didn’t get serious about football until I was older, but I bring bad intentions to the line of scrimmage every single snap.”
— Alex Harkey, Oregon Offensive Tackle
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
Drafting a developmental tackle like Harkey frees up early capital. The Jets can aggressively target a premium playmaker or trade up for a slipping superstar without worrying about bare-bones depth at tackle. It is a low-risk, high-reward move. Harkey heads to the NFL smelling blood. A grueling training camp battle awaits, and New York offers the perfect stage for a late-bloomer to earn his stripes and solidify a playoff-caliber offensive line.
