An insider for the New York Jets this week suggested the team could target a pair of Michigan stars in Round 1 of the NFL Draft. And one scenario would include trading down from seventh overall to add more draft assets.
The Jets’ 2024 campaign was a disaster. Despite NFL legend Aaron Rodgers being back on the field healthy, and a talented roster, New York posted a sad 5-12 record this past season. Their performance cost both head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas their jobs during the season.
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However, there are new sheriffs in town. Former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator and franchise great Aaron Glenn will oversee the improvement of the roster alongside new GM Darren Mougey. Obviously, the first-timers in their respective roles want to get off to a fast start this offseason. And the 2025 NFL Draft offers the opportunity to land players that can make an impact now and in the future.
Glenn and Mougey will benefit from the team’s terrible season by having top 10 picks in many of the rounds, including seventh overall in Round 1. The organization has been linked to several players on Day 1. However, on Thursday The Athletic Jets insider Zach Rosenblatt made a case for two specific players from Michigan’s 2023 title team.
Could the New York Jets take Mason Graham in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft?
In a new column on 10 moves, the team should make this offseason, Rosenblatt had a radical idea. Trade down from the seventh spot to far later in Round 1 and target Michigan cornerback Will Johnson.
“The Jets have an impressive collection of coaches for the secondary. Glenn, defensive backs coach Chris Harris, and assistant defensive backs coach Dre’ Bly. All of whom played in the NFL,” Rosenblatt wrote. “I’d trust their ability to develop a rookie cornerback with tools like Johnson, a prospect from Michigan. He missed half the 2024 season with injuries but had two interception-return touchdowns before getting hurt and was an All-American in 2023.
“Like [Sauce] Gardner, he has good size (6-2, 200). He’s adept in both press and off-coverage, a positive as Glenn works to blend his defensive scheme with coordinator Steve Wilks’ tendencies.”
However, the team insider also believes that New York would jump at the chance if one of Johnson’s teammates falls to them at seven. “If Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham is there at No. 7 it would be hard to pass him up — same for LSU tackle Will Campbell — but there’s no guarantee either will last that long,” he wrote.
Some draft pundits believe Gramham might be the best defensive player in this year’s class. Even better than Penn State star pass rush Abdul Carter.