Perfect Picks 2024: New York Jets
The blockbuster trade for Aaron Rodgers in the 2023 offseason had Jets fans dreaming of finally contending for a Super Bowl after years in the doldrums. Those dreams would last just four offensive snaps, as Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles tendon against the Buffalo Bills.
Despite the frustrating 7-10 season that followed, the Jets still believe they are in win now mode, retaining GM Joe Douglas and HC Robert Saleh, as well as under fire OC Nathaniel Hackett. If they are to have any chance of contending in 2024 though, they must at least make significant improvements to their Offensive Line and Receiving corps this upcoming offseason.
Round 1 - Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
The Jets decision to go with injury-prone Mekhi Becton and over-the-hill Duane Brown as their starting tackles last season was predictably a disaster. Neither will be brought back in 2024, so the Jets will need to find two new starters.
With the seeming likelihood of a veteran being brought in at LT, Fuaga would step straight into the lineup at RT to start, with the possibility of ultimately moving across to LT. He is a road grader in the run game, and not far behind as a pass protector (he didn’t allow a sack at Oregon State).
Round 3 - Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
Garrett Wilson was the only starting calibre WR the Jets had on their roster last season and they will undoubtedly address the position through both Free Agency and the Draft. The hope is that the return of Aaron Rodgers will spark a revival from Allen Lazard, who was anonymous for most of the 2023 season, but there are certainly no guarantees there, while the likes of Jason Brownlee and Xavier Gipson aren’t going to give opposing Defensive Co-Ordinators any sleepless nights.
Roman Wilson is one of the best route runners in this class and would give Aaron Rodgers a reliable chain-moving target from the slot who also has the speed and explosiveness to take the top off a defense. The Jets were the worst team in the league by a distance at converting third downs last season, and Wilson should immediately help them improve in that area.
Mid Round Gem - Christian Mahogany, OG, Boston College
Although offensive tackle is the Jets’ biggest issue on the offensive line, they should also be looking to bolster the interior at some point. Laken Tomlinson’s roster spot is by no means guaranteed, Alijah Vera-Tucker has had his first two seasons cut short by injuries and they are lacking in quality depth.
Boston College’s Christian Mahogany is a powerful run blocker who also impressed in pass protection last season, not giving up a single sack in his 12 starts. At worst, he would significantly upgrade the Jets’ depth at guard as a rookie, and he should establish himself as a starter by his second year.
The only real concern is that he tore his ACL in 2022, but he showed no ill effects from that injury last year so the Jets should have no hesitation in selecting him if he is on the board for one of their 4th round picks.
Late Round Sleeper - Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisvile
Breece Hall has already established himself as one of the best young RBs in the NFL, and should only continue to get better. However, the Jets are lacking in quality at the position behind him, with Dalvin Cook proving to be a massive disappointment after signing in free agency.
Isaac Guerendo is far from the finished article but possesses an intriguing blend of size (6’1′, 220 pounds) and speed (ran a 10.51 second 100m). Although he’s unlikely to ever become a #1 RB, his powerful running style should make him an ideal complement to the explosive Hall, allowing the Jets to grind down opposing defenses. As a former WR, he should also be able to contribute in the passing game.
Draft in full
Round 1 – Taliese Fuaga (OT, Oregon State)
Round 3 – Roman Wilson (WR, Michigan)
Round 4 – Christian Mahogany (G, Boston College)
Round 4 – Tyler Davis (DT, Clemson)
Round 6 – Trey Taylor (S, Air Force)
Round 7 – Anthony Gould (WR, Oregon State)
Round 7 – Devin Leary (QB, Kentucky)
Round 7 – Isaac Guerendo (RB, Louisville)
Wayne Ellis
NFL Draft contributor
Wayne has been a Jets fan for 38 extremely long years and is probably Erik McMillan’s #1 fan. You can find him at @Rankles75 on Twitter/X.