The New York Jets are in the unique position of competing for a Super Bowl while holding one of the top picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. Thanks to that unique positioning, our Jets mock draft 2024 guides New York through a plan to compete now and prepare for the future.
Before diving into our Jets mock draft, here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
New York Jets draft picks 2024
Here are the Jets draft picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
- Round 1, 10th overall
- Round 3, 72nd overall
- Round 4, 11th overall
- Round 4, 134th overall
- Round 6, 185th overall
- Round 7, 256th overall
- Round 7, 257th overall
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New York Jets draft needs 2024
Here are the top Jets draft needs in 2024 following free agency.
- Offensive Tackle
- Tight End
- Wide Receiver
- Edge Rusher
- Safety
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Jets mock draft 2024: Addressing immediate needs and future ones
First Round, 10th overall: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
A flashier pick in a Jets mock draft would be Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers or Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze. However, while New York’s offensive line is good on paper, there are significant red flags that warrant using the 10th overall pick on an offensive tackle.
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It starts at left tackle with Tyron Smith, age 33, who hasn’t even played in 14 regular-season games in a single year since 2015. Even more concerning, Smith played in 17 combined games from 2020-’22. New York banking on him staying healthy and protecting a 40-year-old quarterback is a massive gamble. As for right tackle Morgan Moses, the 33-year-old could regress in 2024 or guard Alijah Vera-Tucker could suffer another injury.
Olu Fashanu isn’t as polished of a prospect as Joe Alt, but there’s no doubt the Penn State offensive lineman offers the ceiling to become a Pro Bowl left tackle at the next level. Smith would be the perfect mentor for him, coaching him on how to deal with power rushers and what to do in specific situations. This approach would give Fashanu time to develop and when the time is ready, he can be a high-end starter. In the meantime, New York would have a phenomenal backup plan if Smith gets hurt.
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Third Round, 72nd overall: T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
The Jets have plenty of juice defensively, especially at three spots on the defensive line with Quinnen Williams, Jermaine Johnson and John Franklin-Myers. However, there’s always room to improve the depth of a defense with championship expectations and Texas Longhorns interior defender T’Vondre Sweat would be a nice addition to Robert Saleh’s group.
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Sweat, one of the biggest players in the 2024 NFL Draft at 6-foot-4 and 366 pounds, would provide a space-eater on the inside. At his size, offensive linemen routinely had to double-team Swet in college and that ability alone can make him an impactful player at the next level. Plus, with Sweat’s power and ability to generate pressure, he can even be an interior disruptor. Adding a defensive tackle of Sweat’s caliber would allow the players around him to do even more playmaking.
Fourth Round, 111th overall: Tykee Smith, S, Georgia
Safety is one of the few Jets draft needs on the defensive side of the ball, but it is arguably the biggest weakness for the defense. The 2024 NFL Draft class isn’t particularly strong at the safety position, which is why free agency is better for finding an impact player in coverage. However, Tykee Smith could also play a role.
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Used a bit like a linebacker this past season by the Georgia Bulldogs, Smith offered tenacity as a run-stopper who rarely missed tackles. He also showed quality instincts and burst when playing shallow, flying to the football to deliver hits that knocked the ball out of a pass-catcher’s hands to prevent receptions. While he wouldn’t offer much playing deep, what Smith does against the run and his rare ability to even be a blocker on special teams could provide significant value to New York as a fourth-round pick.
Fourth Round, 134th overall: Isaiah Adams, OT, Illinois
As stated atop our Jets mock draft having five starters on the offensive line isn’t enough. New York is taking massive gambles at multiple positions and if two starters go down for even a short amount of time, it jeopardizes Rodgers’ health and the effectiveness of this entire offense. So, we want to target an offensive lineman in the 2024 NFL Draft who is versatile. At Illinois, Isaiah Adams played left tackle, right tackle and left guard in each of the past two seasons, per Pro Football Focus. He is also an above-average athlete at his position and some tools suggest he could develop into a starter. For 2024, he provides depth at multiple spots while offering long-term upside as a starter.
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2024 Jets 7-round mock draft
- 1st Round, 10th overall: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
- 3rd Round, 72nd overall: T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
- 4th Round, 111th overall: Tykee Smith, S, Georgia
- 4th Round, 134th overall: Isaiah Adams, OT, Illinois
- 6th Round, 185th overall: Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy
- 7th Round, 256th overall: Taulia Tagovailoa, QB, Maryland
- 7th Round, 257th overall: Kitan Oladapo, S, Oregon State
