Three Keys To A Successful Jets Draft
The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft is tonight and your New York Jets own the 10th overall selection. After what turned out to be a solid free agency, New York now has the chance to add the final touches to what hopes to be a competitive roster this season. Here are three points of emphasis that I will be keeping a close eye on over the weekend:
Draft Positions Of Importance Early
The two positions that come to mind are wide receiver and offensive line. The Jets made additions to these areas during free agency with the signings of former Chargers WR Mike Williams, Ravens LG John Simpson, and Cowboys LT Tyron Smith, as well as trading for Ravens RT Morgan Moses.
Now that doesn’t mean that Gang Green can’t bulk up on these groups some more. As we all learned from last season, injuries happen. More specifically to players like Mike Williams and Tyron Smith, which is concerning when you are hoping for these guys to be available throughout the entirety of a season.
A good way to address this problem is by selecting a pass catcher or offensive lineman in the first round. I’ve been back and forth with how I want the Jets to use the 10th overall pick and even on draft day the best I can say is that I’m leaning towards a new weapon for Aaron Rodgers. In a “win-now” situation it may make the most sense to add to the receiver room, but at the same time, you can make the case for adding to the protection of the quarterback.
Selecting one of the top three receivers in Ohio State’s Marvin Harrision Jr., LSU’s Malik Nabers, and Washinton’s Rome Odunze would be the most ideal. Even Georgia TE Brock Bowers could be an option.
I also like the idea of trading back from No. 10 and acquiring a second-round pick in order to address both positions of need in the first two rounds. However it unfolds, I think most Jets fans will be happy as long as the team doesn’t draft anyone from the defensive side of the ball.
Be Aggressive
Last year the Patriots and Steelers orchestrated a deal that would position Pittsburgh one pick in front of the Jets. The selection: Georgia OT Broderick Jones. New York was expected to address the offensive line in last year's draft but instead had to pivot and focus on their pass-rushing needs with Iowa State OLB Will McDonald IV.
I loved seeing the Jets trade up in 2021 for G Alijah Vera-Tucker and again in 2022 for DE Jermaine Johnson II. With that being said, I hope to see this type of aggressiveness again this year. It doesn’t have to be a first-round splash, but if you love a guy that much, don’t be afraid to move up and get him.
Come Away With A Quarterback
It’s time to approach this position a little differently. It’s no secret that the Jets haven’t had the best luck with drafting a top quarterback. The most recent failures of Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson have stunted this team's growth for over half a decade.
Aaron Rodgers is on the roster so we might as well get as much use out of him as we can, whether it's on or off the field. Drafting a QB on day three is worth the risk when you have a guy like Rodgers who can bring him along. Tulane’s Michael Pratt and Florida State’s Jordan Travis are two quarterbacks that New York can target in the later rounds.
At the end of the day, the draft is a bit of a crapshoot, so if this front office is in love with a lower-tier QB, then I am all in on them taking another swing.
Read More NFL News From Stadium Rant Here: NFL News
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS:
Order your favorite whiskey or spirit for the big game right to your doorstep and use code STADIUMRANT10 for a 10% discount at Caskers
Use code STADIUMRANT20 for a 20% discount at Bulletproof Coffee, SwingJuice, and Performix.
If you love to shotgun beers, use code STADIUMRANT10 at Wild Man Drinking Company.
MORE FROM STADIUM RANT:
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our YouTube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok a follow for more great content!