The New York Jets are a team that I have no issues thinking makes the playoffs in 2024, the question I’m here to answer is, who are they going to add to help improve on an already strong roster? I’ll start with what I think are the team’s needs, looking at the depth chart over on Ourlads, checking out contracts via Spotrac, and making some judgment calls as their armchair GM.
Identify Needs
As of the time of this writing, 24 players are (potentially) free agents, with roughly a third of them playing significant playing time for them in 2023. The interior defensive line could be their biggest need and could wind up being a position they target early in the draft. The biggest needs I see (in order) for the Jets are DT2, WR2/WR3, FS, SS, and Center. They can stand to add some depth at linebacker and offensive line But currently don’t see those as pressing needs for them.
New York Jets 2024 NFL Draft – Mock Draft!
Mock Draft Results
1-10: Byron Murphy, DL, Texas
I use PFF’s mock draft simulator, and with the 10th pick in the 2024 NFL (Mock) Draft, the New York Jets select Byron Murphy, DL Texas! You can’t knock a guy who made Feldman’s freak list, he’s athletic and can rush the passer or defend the run without any issues. You plug Murphy in next to Quinnen Williams, Jermaine Johnson, and John Franklin-Myers, and tell me how you double-team any one of these guys.
3-72: Brenden Rice, WR, Southern Cal
With pick #72, we select USC Wide Receiver Brenden Rice! Speed kills and Rice, paired with Garrett Wilson will be wild for the Jets offense. We all know he’s the son of a Hall of Famer but he’s another player from Feldman’s freak list, he’s great at attacking the ball and bringing down those 50/50 balls.
4-112: Tykee Smith, S, Georgia
With pick #112, we select Tykee Smith, Safety from Georgia! Not the biggest safety in this draft, at 5’9” but brings the heat from the safety position. A strong tackler who comes from a winning program, he could step in and be an immediate impact player from day one.
4-114: Drake Nugent, IOL, Michigan
With pick #114, we select Drake Nugent, Center from Michigan! He brings a physicality and aggression that the Jets will fall in love with, as well as filling a huge need at center. Truth be told, being a Michigan native and Lions/Wolverine fan, I’ve seen plenty of Nugent, while he opened up holes for Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards.
6-187: Jalen Green, S, Mississippi State
With pick #187, we select Jalen Green, Safety from Mississippi State! the fifth-year senior played well and could be a nice developmental piece with an upside. The former 4-star prospect had an up-and-down collegiate career but showed with Miss State that he has a nose for the ball, getting 4 interceptions and 11 deflections over the last two seasons.
7-253: Josh Proctor, S, Ohio State
With pick #253, we select Josh Proctor, Safety from Ohio State! Yes, a third safety. Really for me, it comes down to adding some competition to the secondary. Not only competition but depth and guys that could be contributors sooner rather than later. Proctor comes from a winning program and is a veteran player who could develop over time.
7-254: Zion Tupuola-Fetui, EDGE, Washington
With pick #254, we select Zion Tupuola-Fetui, EDGE from Washington! I was pretty high on Fetui last season, thinking he might declare for the 2023 draft but here we are, landing him at the end of the draft. ZTF has great size and ability to shed blocks. I could see him being a nice rotational piece as time goes on.
7-257: Sam Hartman, QB, Notre Dame
With pick #257, we select Sam Hartman, Quarterback from Notre Dame! Wilson may be gone and Rodgers isn’t any younger. A depth QB with Hartman’s experience could be a nice get late in the draft. He’s not Brock Purdy but he certainly could be a solid backup.
PFF’s results and their Grade for my Draft:
Thanks for Stopping By!
I hope this has helped you prepare for the NFL Draft. If you want to talk all things football, hit me on Twitter. Or over on the Draft Countdown Discord! And check out the rest of my work here.
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