New York Jets ushering in new era of linebacker with Darron Lee pick at No. 20

With the No. 20 pick, the New York Jets drafted linebacker Darron Lee out of Ohio State. With only three years under his belt at linebacker, the former high school quarterback has a much higher ceiling than some of his counterparts coming out of college.

Amid some rumblings after the season that Lee could get first- or second-round consideration, he cemented his place among the best prospects available with his workout at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine. With an official 40-yard dash time of 4.47, he was the second-fastest Buckeye to perform -- behind only cornerback Eli Apple -- and was the top time among linebackers.

The Jets picked Lee ahead of UCLA linebacker Myles Jack, who fell down draft boards due to knee concerns, and the Ohio State linebacker will play behind a defensive line full of first-round talent. New York has committed to building its defense from the inside out, and Lee will play behind a line that features Leonard Williams, Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson.

His broad jump and shuttle drills highlighted the young player’s athleticism.

The storyline about his size has since shifted from a hindrance to a benefit for the 6’1, 232-pound player. Originally expected to attend Ohio State as a member of the secondary, Lee has become the epitome of a new-era linebacker, making his multi-faceted abilities a newly coveted quality at the next level.

When asked about concerns with his size at the Combine, Lee responded, “I can play at that weight. I have really no concerns about it, to be honest with you. As long as I’m able to play fast, that’s all that matters to me.”

“I feel linebackers are changing in the league, to be honest -- a lot smaller. There aren’t really too many bigger guys. The game is getting faster and you need guys to cover. You’re starting to see that change a lot this year in the league.”

Certainly, his size wasn’t an issue in his time at Ohio State. After redshirting his freshman year, he came in behind Ryan Shazier and quickly stepped into the role. In Lee’s first game as a starter, he showed off his freakish athleticism with a touchdown on a 61-yard fumble recovery.

He finished his collegiate career with 146 total tackles -- including 27 for loss -- plus 11 sacks and three interceptions. He was known as the do-it-all player in Ohio State’s 4-3 defense.

Lee is looking forward to improving at his new position and should be a valuable draft pick. He showed that he was hungry back at the Combine.

“I’m still learning linebacker,” Lee said, “It will be three years [that] I’ve been playing the position. I still have a lot to learn.”

He’ll have just a few months to get adjusted to life in the league, but based on what he did in those three years, Lee is a fast learner. And just plain fast.