New York Jets (Last Year: 7-10)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
C GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Jets have made it known that they are all in for this and perhaps next year with Aaron Rodgers. They need to continue to give Rodgers weapons and protection. They could also explore trading down because they don’t have a second-round pick.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Jets traded down from No. 10, but they moved just one spot. They also gave Rodgers protection, but did so with their initial selection, eschewing the play-making option instead. New York would have been better served selecting Brock Bowers because it’s a guarantee that he would contribute on Day 1. Olu Fashanu, conversely, may not take the field as a rookie. Granted, he provides some great insurance for the oft-injured Tyron Smith, but if Smith remains on the field, Fashanu will be rotting on the bench. That’s not ideal for a team that has an all-in approach.
The Jets rebounded with the Malachi Corley pick in the third round, but they squandered some picks after that. They chose two running backs for some reason, and they used a pick on a CFL cornerback when selecting another receiver would have been more prudent. Amazingly, the Jets came away with just one offensive lineman and one receiver from this entire draft class, which seems like a major blunder.
I can’t grade the Jets’ 2024 class very favorably. I like some of the choices they made, but they did not accomplish their goal of really strengthening Rodgers’ supporting cast. It may improve a bit, but not nearly enough to contend in the challenging AFC.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
11. Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State – C Grade
I don’t hate this pick, but it’s underwhelming because the Jets still don’t have any downfield play-makers outside of Garrett Wilson. Also, the Jets signed Tyron Smith, so will Olu Fashanu even be able to get onto the field as a rookie? Given that the Jets are all-in to win now, that’s an important question. This is a good pick for the long haul, but the Jets needed an impact player for 2024.
65. Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky – A Grade
The Jets had to draft a receiver, especially after relinquishing resources after trading up. They didn’t have any downfield play-makers outside of Garrett Wilson, but now they potentially do with Malachi Corley, a second-round prospect who has drawn comparisons to Deebo Samuel.
If you haven’t visited the site in a while, you may have noticed the new look. Yes, after nearly two decades, we’ve finally re-designed our site to be more modern. This was not done on a whim, but rather out of necessity because of what occurred during the 2023 NFL Draft. Our site crashed during the entire first day of the draft, which was disastrous for our revenue stream because we make more money during the draft than any other time. The site crashed because a line of code conflicted with the old format of the site, so we had to transition to this new look.
Because we lost so much money during the draft, I want to point out that you can really help support the site by paying for the ad-free version of it at the top. It’s $7.99 per month, but you’ll get a super-fast site with no ads. If you don’t want to pay, please spread the word about the site through word of mouth. That would also be a big help!
Follow @walterfootball for updates. Also, you can Support Us on Patreon here!
Also, if you'd like to support the site, check out my book! It's available on Amazon, and it's called A Safety and a Field Goal.
Take a look:
You can buy it here. It has some NFL Draft-related topics, so like I said, if you want to support the site, this is a great way to do it!
134. Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin – B Grade
The Jets needed a backup running back, given that Breece Hall isn’t too far removed from his torn ACL. Braelon Allen should complement Hall well, as Allen is a huge back who can also catch passes well.
171. Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State – B Grade
The Jets traded Zach Wilson, so they needed to find a long-term answer after Aaron Rodgers retires. Jordan Travis is coming off a horrible lower-leg injury, but it’s not like he’s going to have to play any time soon, so the Jets will be able to develop him.
173. Isaiah Davis, RB, South Dakota State – C- Grade
Another running back doesn’t make much sense, especially if it’s not a great value. Isaiah Davis handled a big workload at South Dakota State, but the Jets should have been drafting wide receivers and tight ends for Aaron Rodgers.
176. Qwant’tez Stiggers, CB, Canada – B- Grade
Qwant’tez Stiggers made a name for himself on the top-30 visit circuit. He was seen as a fifth-round prospect, so he makes sense here – except for the fact that the Jets have a stacked defense and a limited offense that is starving for play-makers.
257. Jaylen Key, S, Alabama – B Grade
Not a bad Mr. Irrelevant pick. Jaylen Key is a big safety, but is a bit slow. Still, he was projected as a seventh-round pick, so he made sense as the final pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Season Summary:
The Jets had Super Bowl aspirations heading into 2023, but those quickly vanished on the fourth offensive snap of the season opener when Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles. Rodgers is likely to return next year with potentially better injury luck.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Three Offensive Linemen: The Jets need to retool their offensive line. Alijah Vera-Tucker is a stud, and Joe Tippmann has potential, but that’s about it. Three upgrades are needed. Luckily for the Jets, the 2024 NFL Draft is loaded with talented linemen. Traded for Morgan Moses; signed Tyron Smith and John Simpson
- Two Wide Receivers: Allen Lazard was a huge bust. The Jets have nothing at receiver outside of Garrett Wilson. Signed Mike Williams
- Tight End: Tyler Conklin is as mediocre as it gets at tight end. A better intermediate weapon is needed.
- Defensive Tackle: New York was weak to the run last year, so the team should acquire a run-stuffer. Signed Leki Fotu and Javon Kinlaw
- Quarterback: The Jets need to develop a quarterback to play once Aaron Rodgers retires. Zach Wilson doesn’t appear to be the answer. Signed Tyrod Taylor
- Running Back: Better depth is needed behind Breece Hall.
- Safety: Jordan Whitehead is an impending free agent, so he’ll need to be re-signed or replaced.
- Kicker: Greg Zuerlein is due to hit free agency as well. Re-signed Greg Zuerlein
- Punter: Thomas Morstead is also headed for free agency. Re-signed Thomas Morstead
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
New York Jets Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
