Welcome to our final New York Jets mock draft of the year before Gang Green is on the cock at No. 10 overall on Thursday night in Detroit.
For the first time in seemingly forever, the 2024 NFL Draft is not a venue in which the Jets have to make hopeful, home-run-hoping picks to fill the seemingly endless voids of their roster. With a healthy Aaron Rodgers, the bolstering of the offensive line in free agency, the signing of Mike Williams, and one of the most imposing defenses in football, the Jets are a contender. A real, tangible contender.
What a world.
That makes this year’s draft a place where general manager Joe Douglas can find the finishing touches of a good team rather than hoping for a franchise-altering, drought-busting youngster to take on far too much pressure as we’ve seen with Zach Wilson or Sam Darnold, or Mark Sanchez, or Jamal Adams.
Here is what we have come up with:
2024 New York Jets Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick No. 10: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Williams is joining Garrett Wilson to create a dynamic duo in the wide receiver room, even if longevity issues persist with the former Charger. Bowers provides Rodgers with a top tight-end target that can develop into the ultimate security blanket of the Jets’ offense. At Georgia last season, Bowers posted 56 catches for 714 yards and six touchdowns.
Round 3, Pick No. 72: Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
The Jets could use a slot receiver to team up with their top two outside threats and Smith is one of the better options to fill that role. The 5-foot-9 pass catcher is an elusive route runner with the speed to create space and toughness necessary to meander over the middle
Round 4, Pick No. 111: Tykee Smith, S, Georgia
New York’s safety corps. doesn’t inspire the most confidence even with Ashtyn Davis returning on a one-year deal. Smith is a smaller prospect but he’s a proper tackler and ballhawk who also possesses the intensity to play near the line as a linebacker.
Round 4, Pick No. 134: Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame
Breece Hall is the lightning and Estime can be the thunder. He’s a big-bodied, tough-as-nails running back who can immediately contribute as a short-yardage specialist.
Round 6, Pick No. 185: Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State
A season-ending leg injury hurt Travis’ draft stock, but there is no rush for him to come in and produce at the NFL level. This is an accurate passer who can mix athleticism with the IQ needed to identify pressure. Plus, he can take advantage of time as Rodgers’ protege.
Round 7, Pick No. 207: Gabe Hall, DT, Baylor
At 6-foot-6, 291 pounds, Hall is an exceptional athlete with an explosive burst out of his stance. This is a moldable talent to slot in behind Javon Kinlaw and Quinnen Williams.
Round 7, Pick No. 257: Andrew Coker, OT, TCU
Douglas did well to address the offensive line issues by bringing on Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, but both are on the wrong side of 30 and one injury could unravel things quickly. Coker is not a game changer, but he provides good size and length as a foundation to develop behind two proven veterans.
For more on the Jets, visit AMNY.com
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