The calendar has flipped to April and meaning the NFL draft is quickly approaching. It’s time to attempt to venture what the Jets would possibly do when April 25 and the draft roll round with our first seven-round mock draft of the 12 months.
Basic supervisor Joe Douglas had finished a superb job of filling lots of the crew’s wants by means of free company. That provides him loads of flexibility in relation to the draft. The Jets nonetheless must land some gamers, although, to provide Aaron Rodgers an entire solid round him.
The mantra from proprietor Woody Johnson has been, “offense, offense, offense” this offseason and we listened to him on this mock draft. The primary 5 picks are all offensive gamers in an effort to assist that unit climb out of the underside of the NFL rankings.
We used the Professional Soccer Focus’ mock draft simulator to assist us out and here’s what we got here up with for the Jets 2024 draft:
Spherical 1, No. 10 total: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Douglas landed two beginning tackles throughout free company, buying and selling for Morgan Moses and signing Tyron Smith to a one-year deal. Nonetheless, I believe they need to take a deal with right here. Each Moses and Smith are 33 and have harm questions. Moses is coming off of pectoral surgical procedure and Smith has been coping with numerous accidents lately.
Joe Alt of Notre Dame was off the board on this simulation. I went with Fuaga, however they might take Olu Fashanu of Penn State or JC Latham of Alabama right here. Washington’s Troy Fautanu can be gaining steam, however some groups might even see him as a guard.
I might be tempted to take a large receiver if one of many prime ones dropped however Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers had been all off the board this time, in addition to tight finish Brock Bowers.
Spherical 3, No. 72 total: Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
The Jets added Mike Williams in free company, however he’s coming off an ACL surgical procedure and can flip 30 this season.
He’s not a long-term reply.
Walker might be the vertical menace this offense wants.
He averaged 30.7 yards per landing reception at North Carolina. He’s a speedster, operating a 4.36 40-yard sprint.
Walker’s route operating is just not refined however the Jets have good route runners. They want somebody to stretch the sector for Rodgers.
Spherical 4, No. 111 total: Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame
Breece Corridor needs to be on the verge of a monster season for the Jets one 12 months faraway from ACL surgical procedure and with a stronger offense round him.
However the Jets nonetheless have work to do behind him. Israel Abanikanda confirmed promise as a rookie, however they should add to the operating again room.
Douglas may try this by signing a veteran free agent however he hasn’t but so we’re taking Estime right here.
Estime generally is a bruising, short-yardage again for the Jets that may complement what the opposite two backs do.
Spherical 4, No. 134 total: Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State
One of many extra fascinating questions concerning the Jets on this draft is whether or not they’ll take a quarterback. They’ve Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor however may use a developmental quarterback behind them. This can be early to take a quarterback, however Travis is an attention-grabbing prospect who could be had right here as a result of he suffered a severe leg harm final season. This might be a steal.
Spherical 6, No. 185 total: AJ Barner, TE, Michigan
He was a crew captain at Indiana earlier than he transferred to Michigan and is named a superb blocker. Barner would primarily be a particular groups participant early.
Spherical 7, No. 256 total: Kenny Logan, S, Kansas
The Jets have the ultimate two picks within the draft and it’s time to provide Robert Saleh some defensive gamers. The Jets want some depth at security and that is additionally the place you might be on the lookout for particular groups gamers.
Spherical 7, No. 257 total: Dallas Gant, LB, Toledo
The Jets at the moment have the Mr. Irrelevant decide and I’ll take a linebacker. Once more, that is extra about particular groups at this level however the Jets may additionally use some youth within the linebacker room.
