The Draft Blueprint for the New York Jets
Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn
New York Jets General Manager Darren Mougey and Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn, shake hands as they pose for the press, at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, Monday, January 27, 2025, in Florham Park. Mougey and Glenn were introduced to the press in their new positions for the first time. © Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
The New York Jets will welcome a new everything at the top of the ticket in 2025, hiring a new general manager, Darren Mougey, head coach, Aaron Glenn, and probably a new quarterback if Aaron Rodgers departs.
The Draft Blueprint for the New York Jets
NFL insider Jordan Schultz tweeted about Rodgers on Super Bowl Sunday: “Sources: While further discussions are expected, the overwhelming belief is that the Jets are unlikely to move forward with Aaron Rodgers as their quarterback in 2025, sources tell NFL on Fox. With a new regime in place, many anticipate a fresh start, and a resolution is expected sooner rather than later.”
And if that reporting sticks — or perhaps even if it doesn’t — this is the ideal blueprint for the Jets early in the draft.
Round 1: OT
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
The Jets ranked near the league’s bottom tier per pass protection and run blocking. ESPN named New York the league’s 23rd-best team at protecting Aaron Rodgers and fourth-worst at plowing run lanes for Breece Hall and Braelon Allen.
Conversely, the Jets ranked ninth in pass-rush win rate and run-stop win rate on defense. New York has the personnel in the defensive trenches to succeed. Will McDonald, Haason Reddick (a free agent to be), and Jermaine Johnson can attest.
The offensive trenches are a more pressing need. And while Pro Football Focus handsomely scored the Jets’ 2024 offensive line contributors — most scored over 70.0 — the franchise still needs a tackle in addition to Olu Fashanu.
Mougey should prioritize offensive tackle here and lock down the spot for a quarterback to be named later.
It’s also worth noting that the seventh pick in this particular draft isn’t dazzling to draft a new passer.
The OT Options at No. 7:
- Will Campbell (LSU)
- Kelvin Banks (Texas)
Round 2: QB
Oct 26, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) throws a pass against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
Rodgers probably won’t be back, so New York can poke around free agency for a quarterback like Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, or Sam Darnold (again). That player will only be a patchover signal-caller, hanging onto the QB1 title until the Jets’ 2nd-Rounder is ready to take the reins.
Unless Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders fall to No. 7 — not going to happen — New York should target Round 2 for a quarterback.
The QB Options at No. 42:
- Jalen Milroe (Alabama)
- Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss)
- Quinn Ewers (Texas)
Round 3: Safety
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) talks to Texas Longhorns defensive back Andrew Mukuba (4) after the Buckeyes beat the Longhorns 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl Classic during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on January 10, 2025.
Finally, for the meaningful rounds, New York will need a safety if it doesn’t attack the spot in free agency. Chuck Adams and Tony Adams are on deck to test free agency. So are Jalen Mills and Ashtyn Davis.
Thankfully, it’s “easy” to find a safety in the middle of the draft, not considered a premium position, at least compared to cornerback or EDGE rusher.
Get a safety in the mid-rounds.
The FS/SS Options at No. 92:
- Andrew Mukuba (Texas)
- Kevin Winston Jr. (Penn State)
- Lathan Ransom (Ohio State)
The Other Needs: WR, CB
Sep 28, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Tai Felton (10) warms up before a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
New York may also need a wide receiver or corner, depending on Mougey’s plan in March. Davante Adams will probably depart, and D.J. Reed is as good as gone.
The WR & CB Options at No. 109:
- Jaylen Noel (WR, Iowa State)
- Tai Felton (WR, Maryland)
- Tory Horton (WR, Colorado State)
- Kaden Prather (WR, Maryland)
- Denzel Burke (CB, Ohio State)
- Zy Alexander (CB, LSU)
- Doran Strong (CB, Virginia Tech)
- Nohl Williams (CB, California)
- Quincy Riley (CB, Louisville)
The NFL Draft is 74 days away.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the Minnesota Vikings, with 4-7 episodes per week. His NFL obsession dates back to 1989. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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