The New York Jets face critical roster decisions as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, with several key positions needing attention despite an active free agency period.
Even after signing Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million deal with $30 million guaranteed, new general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn could still target a quarterback with the No. 7 overall pick. The Jets moved on from future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers following a disappointing 5-12 campaign, but their contract structure with Fields provides flexibility if he doesn’t deliver in 2025.
The Jets filled holes in the secondary, with cornerback Brandon Stephens signing a three-year, $36 million contract and safety Andre Cisco securing a one-year, $10 million deal. However, concerns remain about both the offensive and defensive lines, creating multiple potential directions for the Jets’ first-round selection.
Despite these varied needs, a team insider believes the Jets are zeroing in on one of college football’s most dynamic offensive weapons from the 2024 season.
Insider: New York Jets will draft All-American tight end
The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt projects the Jets will select Penn State tight end Tyler Warren with the seventh overall pick in next month’s draft.
“The Jets desperately need an upgrade at tight end, especially now that they’re plugging Justin Fields in at quarterback and should be using a run-heavy scheme. They signed Stone Smartt in free agency but he’s more of a big slot than a two-way tight end,” Rosenblatt wrote. “The Jets need someone to step in as both a safety valve for Fields and as a quality blocker, and Warren can help in both areas. He might not be a Brock Bowers-level tight end prospect, but he arguably would be the most impactful, ready-made option for the Jets at No. 7.”
Warren established himself as college football’s premier tight end last season. The All-American and John Mackey Award winner dominated the Big Ten with a conference-leading 104 receptions, amassing 1,233 receiving yards and eight touchdowns while finishing seventh in Heisman Trophy voting. Though Warren participated in interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine, he opted out of on-field drills.
The potential selection carries historical baggage for Jets fans, who remember the franchise taking Penn State tight end Kyle Brady ninth overall in 1995 instead of future Hall of Famer Warren Sapp. That decision still haunts the fanbase, creating understandable anxiety about history potentially repeating itself with another first-round Penn State tight end.
