Should Jets find a way to get a 2nd first round pick?
With less than two weeks before the NFL Draft, the Jets, like the 31 other teams, are at a crucial juncture, poised to make strategic decisions that will shape their future.
The Jets’ front office is in the process of finalizing their draft board while still hosting Top 30 visits from prospects. General manager Joe Douglas has orchestrated some impressive moves this offseason, but the team still requires reinforcements in key positions such as the offensive line, wide receiver and defensive tackle.
In the first installment of our Jets Mailbag this offseason, we delve into the questions that matter most to our X/Twitter fans.
l Will the Jets come away with two 1st round picks in this draft? @vegasjetsfan
I could see this happening as the Jets certainly still need more help on the offensive line.
Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses are both 33 years old and in the final year of their contracts. Smith last played an entire season about a decade ago (2015). He also missed 17 games in the last two years.
That’s why drafting an offensive lineman for the future is a necessity. The Jets have been riddled with O-line injuries the last few years, so they need to be proactive in case that happens again in 2024.
Gang Green signed wide receiver Mike Williams to a oneyear contract last month, but he has only played 16 games twice in his seven-year career. The good news is the 2024 draft class features a talented receiver group.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jets decide to double-dip in the first round and trade back for a receiver or an offensive lineman. However, I would select an offensive lineman like Washington tackle Troy Fautanu at 10th overall, much like I did in our latest mock draft.
l Is this a draft the Jets should find a way to move up into the 2nd round? @thejerseyjetsfan
The Jets do not own a second-round pick by virtue of the Aaron Rodgers trade last year. If the Jets do not add another firstround pick, this is the draft to find a way to get into the second round.
The Jets are going all in with hopes of making the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Last season, the regime received a mulligan after Rodgers’ Achilles tear four plays into the season opener against the Bills. It’s hard to imagine that happening again, with Jets owner Woody Johnson growing frustrated with the level of ineptitude the last three years.
If the Jets can address the offensive line in the first round, they can draft a receiver like Oregon’s Troy Franklin or Georgia’s Ladd McConkey in Round 2.
Franklin would be an excellent addition to the Jets offense with his elite speed and ability to separate from almost any defender. But he isn’t just a fast player, Franklin is an exceptional route runner who can consistently use his footwork to evade cornerbacks.
McConkey is a unique receiver with decent speed, flexibility and route-runner abilities. That allows him to find spaces in zone coverages.
Whoever it is, the Jets need to find a long-term complement to Garrett Wilson. Williams is only signed to a one-year deal.
l What is the possibility of the Jets trading back to gain multiple picks? @kenscara1
It will depend on what the draft board looks like at No. 10 overall. It’s a consensus that USC quarterback Caleb Williams, North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, and LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels will be selected in the top three picks.
Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers will also go pretty early in the first five or six picks. If a quarterback like Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy is still on the board at No. 10, the Jets could have an opportunity to recoup that second-round pick they lost in the Rodgers trade.
Gang Green is in a good position because it can let the draft fall to them. If Georgia tight end Brock Bowers is the best player on the board, they could take him. If Washington receiver Rome Odunze is available, he would be considered.
The Jets are in a great spot entering the draft after addressing many needs in free agency.