With a 3-7 record heading into week 11, the New York Jets went all in and busted. Between an old and declining Aaron Rodgers & a lackluster defense, the New York Jets are approaching a rebuild; regardless of what the veteran quarterback wants. Subjecting the fans to a new regime while Aaron Rodgers’ ego continues to run a muck is a recipe for disaster. The team has holes to fix all over. This latest mock draft from Josh Edwards of CBS Sports gives the team some help. His mock draft has the Jets selecting some needed help on the defensive line.
Jets Select Star Defensive Tackle in Latest Mock Draft
When Robert Saleh arrived in 2021, fans were excited to see what the future had in store. With moments of brilliance rebuilding the defense, fans felt their return to the playoffs was around the corner. Fast forward to 2024, and there are more questions than ever. Robert Saleh was fired in week 5. Aaron Rodgers looks every bit closer to the end of his career. The defense has taken a massive step backward. With only seven games remaining, the Jets are on the outside looking in. As a result, a new regime will likely take over in the front office and head coach.
While all looks bleak now, there is some hope for optimism. Star wide receiver Garrett Wilson is on pace for his third consecutive 1,000-yard season. 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald IV is having a breakout year with eight sacks before the end of October. Rookies Olu Fashanu and Braelon Allen have shown flashes of talent. Where things stand, the team currently holds the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Jets select Mason Graham; Defensive Tackle/Michigan
In Josh Edwards’s mock draft for CBS Sports, Edwards brings up Aaron Rodgers’s declining play and potential retirement is going to play a major factor. While the dead cap hit will be over $50 million, the team can’t rely on a now 41-year-old quarterback whose already diminished. In my opinion, it’d be best for the team and Aaron to move on with Rodgers retiring. Outside the quarterback play, the offensive line is another position of need. However, the Jets need to realign their once-strong defense. The primary reason for the team’s defensive woes has been a failure to stop the run. New York has allowed nearly 135 running yards per game, ranking 25th in the league.
This is where a talent like Mason Graham comes in. The Michigan Wolverine defensive tackle played a large role in the school capturing their first National Championship in nearly 30 years. Beloved by former head coach Jim Harbaugh, the defensive tackle has a great combination of great first-step speed and strength to disrupt the backfield. Despite being on the shorter side, Graham’s motor paired with his 320 lb frame makes him a nightmare for interior offensive linemen. Graham has a lot of raw tools but remains a work in progress as a pass rusher. He wins most matchups with his strength and strong balance, so learning the nuances and techniques to capitalize will help with the right coach.
How Mason Graham can help the Jets
As previously mentioned, the Jets have struggled to stop the run. Primarily, finishing tackles in the open field remains a larger issue. But, adding in the trenches can be huge to recover. They still have Quinnen Williams, who is among the best in the league despite a lack of stats. Along with a playmaking duo of Will McDonald IV and a healthy Jermaine Johnson II off the edge. Pairing Graham on the interior next to Quinnen can have a huge impact on the run game. With the amount of double teams that Williams draws, there will be an opening to get to the backfield. Johnson’s strength and McDonald’s elusiveness can get to the QB, while Graham secures the B gap to disrupt the timing.
Mason Graham is the easiest evaluation for the 2025 Draft. Top 10 pick pic.twitter.com/3wz26VsH7n
— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) November 8, 2024
Regardless of Aaron Rodgers’ status for 2025, the fact remains the New York Jets need help. Along with a new coaching staff and front office, the team needs to find answers. Competing for the playoffs next year feels like a pipedream. However, they can utilize 2025 to build to the future and a player of Graham’s background and leadership can pay off big time.
Main Photo: [Michael Chow/The Republic] – USA Today Sports
