There’s an ancient Chinese proverb that goes “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. This is a perfect metaphor for the current situation of the New York Jets. Head coach Aaron Glenn & general manager Darren Mougey have their work cut out for them. The new regime is tasked with rebuilding the Jets and hopefully seeing the team end their nearly 15-year playoff-less streak. A big first step comes in two months via the NFL Draft. Here’s how they can go about it in this mock draft.
The team has holes to fill this offseason. Star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams needs support in the interior. Both the Right tackle and tight end will be open with Morgan Moses and Tyler Conklin heading into free agency. DJ Reed’s expected departure will leave a hole at cornerback. Of course, they will need to find a new starting quarterback as well. While this may differ from other mock drafts, I hope to fill these major positions in this one. Within this example, there will be no trades. This mock draft will include all of the Jets original picks as of this writing.
Jets Mock Draft: The Rebuild Commences
First Round/7th overall pick: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
After Aaron Glenn hired Tanner Engstrand to be the team’s new offensive coordinator, this pick feels like a perfect pairing. While in Detroit, Engstrand oversaw the development of two talented tight ends on the Lions; future Vikings TE TJ Hockenson and Sam LaPorta. Along with offensive line coach Steve Heiden’s experience as tight ends coach in Detroit, they seem like a great duo to turn Tyler Warren into an elite playmaker. Warren has established himself as a valuable piece of the Nittany Lions offense the past two years, both as a great receiving tight end and an underrated fullback. If selected, Warren would not only give New York a second weapon next to Garrett Wilson, but someone who could make Breece Hall’s life easier as well.
Tyler Warren in the B10 Championship game was one of the best TE run blocking performances I’ve seen this year
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) December 18, 2024
Second Round/42nd overall pick: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Once it was announced the Jets were moving on from Aaron Rodgers, the next quarterback has been the talk of the fanbase. Outside of Ward or Sanders, it’s hard to argue any quarterback is worthy of a first-round pick. With that said, New York has a great opportunity here with Jaxson Dart. While the Ole Miss quarterback was elevated in Lane Kiffin’s offense, Dart has an NFL arm and quality improvisation skills. Another benefit to Dart is his underrated athleticism, allowing him to make off-platform throws. While in Detroit, Jared Goff was efficient in the play-action passing game. If that’s the desire of Engstrand’s offense, Dart would be a solid option to develop behind a bridge quarterback until he’s ready. In addition, if Dart fails, this can still allow New York to go after a quarterback within the 2026 Draft.
Every QB prospect since 2014 that has averaged at least 360 total ypg in a season with a clean pocket accuracy rate > 70%..
Joe Burrow, LSU
CJ Stroud, Ohio State
Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
Baker Mayfield, Oklahomapic.twitter.com/p5p8WXzqP6— Adam Carter (@impactfbdata) February 15, 2025
Third Round/92nd overall pick(acquired from the Dertoit Lions): Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech
After adding a playmaking tight end and their potential long-term quarterback, it’s time to turn to the defense. Unlike this mock, I expect the Jets to focus on drafting a defensive tackle within the first two rounds. However, Aeneas Peebles is a good consolation prize. Gifted with great speed, Peebles has been a disruptor at the line of scrimmage with great pass-rushing abilities. While there will be more versatile names on the board, renowned defensive line coach Eric Washington could be a great mentor for him. Between Washington’s mentoring and playing next to Quinnen Williams, Peebles could be a steal for New York.
Fourth Round/109th overall pick: O’Donnell Fortune, CB, South Carolina
With DJ Reed heading into free agency, New York will need to find another cornerback to pair opposite Sauce Gardner. They say fortune favors the bold and few emphasize that like O’Donnell Fortune. The former Gamecocks defensive back has been shooting up boards after winning defensive MVP at the Shrine Bowl. With Aaron Glenn’s experience as a starting cornerback, he could do big things with Fortune’s development.
O'Donnell Fortune with a pick-six in the Shrine Bowl🔥@GamecockFB
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 31, 2025
Fifth Round/146th overall pick: Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois
With Davante Adams and Allen Lazard potentially leaving with Aaron Rodgers, the Jets have an opening at wide receiver. This makes for a potential perfect match with All-Big-Ten second-team wide receiver Pat Bryant. At 6’3″, Pat Bryant has great speed and can manipulate defensive backs on the boundary. He’d be a perfect compliment to Garrett Wilson on offense as Engstrand looks to take more shots down the field.
Fifth Round/157th overall pick(acquired from the Steelers): Chase Lundt, OT, UConn
To help with the offensive line depth, the Jets take a chance on a big tackle. Chase Lundt possesses a unique height of 6’8″. A work in pass protection, Lundt was a massive difference maker in the Huskies run game. If selected, Lundt would be a good long-term bargain for a young swing tackle who could develop into a starting right tackle.
Sixth Round/188th overall pick: Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame
Thanks to Marcus Freeman’s sensational defense, Notre Dame made it to the National Championship game. Despite losing, they proved there is great talent within. One name who could benefit the Jets is Jack Kiser. Although his ceiling is limited, both Aaron Glenn and Steve Wilks can find use for him as a downhill run stopper.
Sixth Round/209th overall pick(acquired from the Chiefs): Gino Garcia, PK, Texas Tech
After the rotation of kickers, once Greg Zuerlein struggled, the Jets had to draft a kicker. A strong special teams class should allow that. In the final pick of our draft, Gino Garcia will get his chance. The Texas Tech kicker went 19/20 on all field goals. In addition, he was a flawless 40/40 on extra-point kicks. That kind of consistency is exactly what New York should desire.
Main Photo: [Vasha Hunt] – USA Today Sports
