NEWSLETTER
The New York Jets head into the 2024 NFL Draft with a renewed sense of optimism. With the return of Aaron Rodgers under center and a young core on the rise, the Jets are poised to take the next step toward contention. But key questions remain. Do they prioritize surrounding Rodgers with weapons to unleash his veteran arm? Or will they focus on bolstering their offensive line to keep him upright? Join us as we delve into the New York Jets first-round draft big board, dissecting the most intriguing prospects who could find themselves donning the Gang Green in 2024.
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New York Jets NFL Draft Needs
The New York Jets have a few key areas they’d like to address in the 2024 NFL Draft to complement their young core and veteran leadership under Aaron Rodgers. Here’s a breakdown of their most pressing needs and the positions they may target in the first round.
Offensive Tackle (future): This was New York’s weakest area last year and they did add veterans to sure up the outside. But Tyron Smith is aging, and Morgan Moses is coming off an injury. Having reliable young tackles who can learn from the veterans and potentially compete for starting spots in the future would be a plus.
Wide Receiver (Depth/Long-Term Option): While Garrett Wilson is a star, the Jets could use another reliable receiving option for Rodgers. This could be a true number two receiver or someone who excels in the slot. They added Mike Williams via free agency but he’s prone to injury and not someone they can count on for the long haul. Drafting a young player with long-term potential would be ideal.
Off-Ball Linebacker: C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams are solid starters, but the depth is lacking behind them. Finding a young, athletic linebacker who can contribute on passing downs and in coverage would be a major boost.
Safety (Depth): New York helped the back end by bringing in Chuck Clark and re-signing Ashtyn Davis. But neither is locked up long-term and Clark is returning to the field after missing all of last season. Adding depth and or someone to step into a starting role next season makes sense.
New York Jets 7-Round Mock Draft
New York Jets Big Board
Taliese Fuaga – OT, Oregon State
The offensive tackle from Oregon State has steadily risen through the ranks to become a coveted prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite a shorter-than-ideal arm length (a minor knock for some teams), Fuaga makes up for it with his impressive size (6’6″, 334 lbs) and exceptional quickness. He uses his burst off the snap to get into advantageous positions quickly, effectively shutting down pass rushers and creating running lanes. Fuaga’s powerful hands and aggressive blocking style make him a dominant run blocker, while his footwork and technique continue to improve in pass protection. His well-rounded skill set and dedication to improvement solidify Fuaga as a potential starter who can anchor an offensive line for years to come.
Brock Bowers – TE, Georgia
A mismatch nightmare at 6’4″ and 243 lbs, Bowers possesses a rare blend of size, athleticism, and receiving ability. He explodes off the line with speed that rivals many wide receivers, creating separation and making him a constant deep threat. But Bowers isn’t just a one-dimensional weapon. He uses his strong hands and impressive body control to win contested catches in traffic, making him a reliable target in the red zone.
His versatility extends to the run game as well, where he uses his power and physicality to pave the way for running backs or line up in the slot and function as a glorified blocker. Bowers’ unique skill set makes him a potential difference-maker for the Jets and could open up this offense.
Troy Fautanu – OL, Washington
At 6’4″ and 315 lbs, he offers a good blend of size and surprising agility. Fautanu excels in zone-blocking schemes, using his quick feet and technique to seal off defenders and create clear running lanes. He’s a tenacious run blocker with a nasty streak, finishing blocks with power and driving defenders off the ball. While his pass protection needs some refinement, his ability to learn quickly and his overall skillset make him a plug-and-play option at guard, significantly improving an offensive line’s run blocking and providing solid pass protection.
Rome Odunze – WR, Washington
Listed at 6’3″ and 215 lbs, he boasts impressive size and leaping ability, making him a threat in jump-ball situations. Odunze excels at exploiting zone coverages, using his route-running savvy and spatial awareness to find soft spots in the defense. He demonstrates elite concentration and hand-eye coordination, routinely making highlight-reel catches in stride or off-balance. While he might not possess blazing speed, his route-running polish and ability to win contested catches make him a potential difference-maker for any NFL offense.
