Generally speaking, draft grades are a projection of the future. However, we will look at the 2024 Jets draft grades from a different perspective. The Jets are a win-now team, and we will look at the 2024 pick from an immediate impact standpoint only, especially at the beginning of the draft.
Jets Draft Grades for Win-Now Season in 2024
Round 1, Pick 11, Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The Jets traded with the Vikings to move back one spot. The Vikings took J.J. McCarthy, as expected when the trade was made. The Jets selected a tackle — Penn State’s LT Olu Fashanu.
The Jets are a win-now team. Even though they may need a tackle at some point this season — with both tackles coming off an injury — this pick was a big mistake. The Jets need a pass-catcher to make an immediate impact. They shouldn’t expect the backup tackle to do that.
Grade: C
Round 3, Pick 65, Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
From 2001-04 the Jets made the playoffs three times, including winning the AFC East on the final day of the 2002 regular season. An integral player on those teams was a man whom the Jets drafted out of the University of Miami, Santana Moss.
Corley is much like Moss with speed to burn, especially vertically. He’s a perfect weapon for Aaron Rodgers while he’s working on his deficiencies, because Rodgers loves RPOs that are screens, and he loves go balls.
Additionally, Brant Boyer should use him as a kick returner. With the new kickoff rules, he will be a weapon in that regard.
Grade: A-
Round 4, Pick 134, Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin
Allen is a change of pace back for the Jets. He’s a thumper. He will break tackles and get yards after contact. He’s the perfect compliment to Breece Hall. He’s also a quality back for pass protection.
Grade: B
Round 5, Pick 171, Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State
Jordan Travis is an interesting pick, especially with Michael Pratt still on the board. He has the accuracy and mobility many want in a quarterback today. His arm strength is a question mark, though. Travis is also coming off an injury, and hopefully won’t start a game until he’s 25 years old. He will have time to develop, but likely won’t be a top-tier NFL quarterback.
Grade: B-
Round 5, Pick 173, Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State
This pick is a little bit of a head-scratcher. The Jets now have three running backs for two spots, but Davis is a project running back. He’s a decent downhill runner with some breakaway speed and has some bounce in his step for outside runs. That being said, he’s got a lot to work on as a pass-catcher and a pass-protector. He’s likely a practice squad player to begin his career. Daivs can be used on special teams in 2024.
Grade: C
Round 5, Pick 176, Qwan’tez Stiggers, CB, Toronto Argonauts
Qwan’tez Stiggers‘ journey to the NFL is a very interesting one. The untimely death of his father caused him to leave school before playing a down of college football. Then, the COVID-19 Pandemic hit, and he never returned to college football. He played in Fan Control Football in 2022 to get back on the field. Then, he made his way to Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Last season, for the Argonauts, he showed athletic traits that translate well to the NFL. He is a playmaker. Sgtiggers had five interceptions and was around the ball a lot. He’s still very raw, though, and will need some time to learn. The Jets have done well developing young defensive players. So, this may turn out to be a steal.
Grade: B-
Round 7, Pick 257, Jaylen Key, SAF, Alabama
Jaylen Key is a depth safety who might compete for a starting role on the Jets. He’s a much better zone safety than man-to-man safety, though. Key can player in either safety position, he has good instincts when the ball is in the air, and is a sound tackler against the run. Those final two were lacking in Jets safeties.
Grade: B+
Final Grade
These Jets draft grades are up and down this year. Joe Douglas had a fine draft with one understandable eye toward the future (Olu Fashanu), and one head-scratcher in Isaiah Davis. Overall, though, the Jets did well for themselves to get immediate impact players of all types.
Grade: B-
Main Photo: [Kirby Lee] – USA Today Sports
