The 2024 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and the New York Jets still have some holes to fill on the roster. However, a lot of it is depth, due to Joe Douglas doing a fantastic job in free agency.
As a result of how the team has been built, the draft needs for the Jets aren’t necessarily as glaring as in the past. There’s only one major hole at the top of the roster, and they do have injury concerns. The Jets swung for the fences and took some risks.
Actually, it's more like they have nine, ten, or 11, and they're doubling down.
— Michael Pallas (@mtpallas) April 3, 2024
Let’s address the draft needs for the Jets.
Top New York Jets 2024 NFL Draft Needs
4. Off-ball linebacker
The Jets head into 2024 with a need at off-ball linebacker. C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams are signed through next season, but the depth is bare. The Jets don’t rotate their linebackers as much as the defensive line, but they do need to be spelled, and the current linebackers are a huge drop-off from Mosley and Williams.
3. Safety
The Jets signed Chuck Clark to a one-year deal, but he’s coming off an injury that cost him all of 2023. Tony Adams had a breakout 2023 campaign, and he could be a future fixture at safety for the Jets. After that, there are a lot of questions. So, they could use a mid-round pick to fortify the depth at safety.
2. Offensive Tackle
The reason offensive tackle isn’t number one on the list is because they filled the need in free agency. That being said, Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses are both coming off seasons where they were injured. Smith missed time, and while Moses didn’t, he required offseason surgery. The best option for the Jets would be to land an offensive tackle in the draft and sign a swing tackle afterward. They also have Carter Warren, who they are high on. So, the two of them could be bookend tackles for the future.
1. Pass-catcher
If the Jets can’t find a trade partner, completing the top-end weapons is more crucial than getting a third or fourth offensive tackle. Brock Bowers could fall to No. 10, and if the Jets don’t trade down, he must be included in the mix. The Jets need another weapon to round out their top group of players on offense. If they go with Bowers, Tyler Conklin and Bowers could be on the field quite often, because Bowers is a moving chess piece that can play X, Z, Y, or H-back. He will be an adequate blocker in the NFL, but he’s more of a pass-catcher than an in-line tight end.
When the Jets traded for Rodgers last season, this offseason was a distinct possibility, and no they’re in a one-year-at-a-time situation with Rodgers. Every year could be the last one since he will determine his fate after the season. This year’s draft is no exception to that game plan. Immediate impact players are key to a successful 2024.
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