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The 2023 NFL season is officially over. It is draft season! The New York Jets 2023 season was over four snaps in. Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles, and while there was speculation he might return, the fan base had to suffer another year of Zach Wilson. Rodgers is adamant he is healthy, and the defense was strong again in 2023. Can they fill some holes to help the team get back to the postseason? Here is the New York Jets 2024 NFL Draft guide.
New York Jets 2024 NFL Draft Picks
The New York Jets have eight picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
- Round 1: No. 10 overall
- Round 3: No. 72 overall
- Round 4: No. 112 overall (via Denver)
- Round 4: No. 114 overall
- Round 6: No. 187 overall
- Round 7: No. 253 overall
- Round 7: No. 254 overall
- Round 7: No. 257 overall
The New York Jets get three compensatory picks, which helps their draft capital. They also kept their first-round pick but still have to send their second to the Green Bay Packers. Having seventh-round picks isn’t bad, but it also isn’t a great way to find starters in the NFL. GM Joe Douglas has a tall task this offseason and needs to find some quality talent in the draft to help this team get over the hump.
New York Jets NFL Draft Needs
The New York Jets need the following positions: OT, WR, TE, QB, IOL
The offensive line cannot play like they did in 2023. Rodgers has to have protection if the season is going to be successful. The team also needs some offensive weapons. Outside of Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, the skill positions leave much to be desired. Allen Lazard might play better with Rodgers under center, but this team needs better receivers.
I don’t have any needs on defense. This team showed that 2022 was not a fluke. They can shut down opposing offenses. Similar to 2022, the New York Jets were in many games, but the offense couldn’t sustain any kind of drive. With Rodgers, the hope is there will be less pressure on the defense to hold opponents under ten points.
Mock Draft
Mock drafts are done on NFL Mock Draft Database. No trades were executed. Obviously, teams tend to wheel and deal, but this is meant to give a look at what the team can do with the draft capital they currently have.
New York Jets Mock Draft
- Round 1: No. 10 overall Brock Bowers TE Georgia
- Round 3: No. 72 overall Kiran Amegadjie OT Yale
- Round 4: No. 112 overall Jalen McMillan WR Washington
- Round 4: No. 114 overall Zak Zinter IOL Michigan
- Round 6: No. 187 overall Javon Baker WR UCF
- Round 7: No. 253 overall Jarrian Jones CB Florida State
- Round 7: No. 254 overall Sam Hartman QB Notre Dame
- Round 7: No. 257 overall Xavier Thomas EDGE Clemson
Mock Draft Analysis
The New York Jets can’t help themselves. This isn’t a pick of what I think they should do but what I think they will do. If Bowers is there, the Jets will salivate at the idea of Rodgers throwing to Bowers. They address the OT position in the third round and also grab Zinter who could be ready by training camp after his broken tibia.
The numbers of Rodgers and rookie wide receivers aren’t great, but the New York Jets don’t have the money to sign a top free agent. I suppose someone could come at a discount to win a championship, but that seems unlikely. McMillan and Baker provide some solid upside, and if the focus is on Garrett Wilson, they could get some one-on-one opportunities.
The New York Jets and their fans are desperate for some type of success. Ultimately, even if the team nails the draft, this season is all about whether their 40-year-old quarterback can still play at an MVP level after an Achilles injury.
