We’re formally one month away from the 2025 NFL Draft (April 24-26).
Now that free company is 2 weeks previous, roster motion across the league has slowed barely.
Nonetheless, the Jets nonetheless have a number of vital wants at a number of roster spots, together with proper sort out and tight finish. This offseason, the Jets misplaced veteran starters at each positions.
On March 10, the day the free agent negotiation interval started, Morgan Moses agreed to a three-year, $24 million cope with the rival Patriots. Final week, Tyler Conklin agreed to a one-year contract with the Chargers.
Each strikes depart the Jets with main offensive holes forward of the draft. This doesn’t even embrace the necessity for assist at large receiver after the Jets launched Davante Adams earlier this month.
With their present wants, the Jets can have a call to make at seventh total. Final yr, they confronted the same dilemma once they in the end drafted an offensive lineman as an alternative of an distinctive tight finish.
With Brock Bowers on the board, the Jets and Vikings swapped the tenth and eleventh total picks. Minnesota chosen J.J. McCarthy at No. 10 and the Jets determined to draft sort out Olu Fashanu as an alternative of Bowers. The Raiders chosen Bowers at No. 13, a transfer that angered many Jets followers on the time.
Fashanu performed sparingly and began seven video games after Tyron Smith suffered a season-ending neck harm final November. He was stable throughout his restricted time at left sort out. In 534 snaps, Fashanu allowed one sack and dedicated seven penalties.
In the meantime, Bowers had the perfect rookie tight finish season in NFL historical past after registering 112 catches, 1,194 yards, and 5 touchdowns for the Raiders. The Jets now have the same situation this offseason, and a unique regime will make the selection.
Gone are basic supervisor Joe Douglas and coach Robert Saleh after each had been fired throughout a 5-12 season. New Jets basic supervisor Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn will construct the Jets uniquely, and I imagine that may begin within the trenches.
ROUND 1, PICK 7: OL ARMAND MEMBOU, MISSOURI
Throughout his three seasons at Missouri, Membou was a two-year starter at proper sort out. At 6-4, 332 kilos, Membou has glorious quickness for his measurement, super energy and the nastiness to tackle and win his one-on-one matchups with defensive ends and tackles persistently on the subsequent degree.
On the NFL Mix in Indianapolis earlier this month, Membou improved his inventory by placing collectively a stellar efficiency. He ran a 4.91-second 40-yard sprint with a 10-second cut up time of 1.74.
The Jets introduced in Chukwuma Okorafor this offseason however would not have a long-term answer at proper sort out after Moses’ departure. When Glenn turned the Lions defensive coordinator in 2021 after Dan Campbell was employed as coach, they determined to begin their regime within the trenches by choosing proper sort out Penei Sewell.
Detroit had a number of holes that offseason, however drafting Sewell was a clever alternative, and it has labored out so far. Throughout his 4 seasons within the NFL, Sewell has been a three-time Professional Bowl choice and a two-time first-team All-Professional.
Choosing Membou most likely gained’t be in style among the many Jets fan base, however it’s the proper name on this occasion. The 2025 tight-end group is loaded with proficient prospects, and the Jets can discover a starter on Day 2. The sort out class isn’t as robust, and drafting Membou would assist the Jets solidify the sort out place for probably the following decade with Fashanu already in place.
ROUND 2, PICK 42: MASON TAYLOR, LSU
Penn State’s Tyler Warren is by far the perfect tight finish on this yr’s draft. However different tight-end prospects might excel in Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand’s system. One in all them is a participant whose father, Jason, is a Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer and performed with the Jets throughout their final playoff look in 2010.
Taylor is a easy route runner who can naturally discover holes in defensive coverages. In his closing season at LSU, Taylor completed with 55 receptions for 546 yards and two touchdowns. In three seasons for the Tigers, Taylor registered 129 catches for 1,308 yards and 6 touchdowns.
At 6-5, 250 kilos, Taylor is a dependable cross catcher who can instantly contribute to a Jets offense in want of offensive weapons.
ROUND 3, PICK 73: JACK BECH, TCU
Talking of offensive weapons, Bech can be a very good praise to Garrett Wilson and his talent set. He is an efficient cross catcher and a very good route runner who is aware of easy methods to separate from defenders.
At 6-1, 212 kilos, Bech can be a Day 2 choice due to his lack of top-end pace. However what he lacks in pace, Bech makes up for along with his bodily play by leaping and grabbing the ball persistently at its highest level over cornerbacks and safeties. He must work on his down-the-field blocking, however that may be improved on the subsequent degree with teaching.
The Jets want a constant possession receiver, and Bech might finally be a dependable WR2 starter.
