A yr in the past, the Jets discovered themselves in an identical state of affairs coming into the NFL Draft.
The group was weighing whether or not to pick out a dynamic tight finish to assist their passing recreation or draft an offensive deal with to assist the quarterback keep upright.
Finally, the Jets traded again one spot to eleventh total with the Vikings to pick out left deal with Olu Fashanu over tight finish Brock Bowers. Bowers, who the Raiders selected at thirteenth total, was chosen as a first-time All-Professional. Fashanu began seven video games and was strong throughout his restricted snaps final season.
Now, lower than two weeks earlier than the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jets are in an nearly equivalent set of circumstances. Final yr, with then-coach Robert Saleh and basic supervisor Joe Douglas, the Jets felt they’d the expertise on the ability positions. However issues appears to be like totally different for Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey, who took over as coach and basic supervisor in late January.
Gone are extensive receiver Davante Adams, whom the Jets acquired in a commerce with the Raiders final October, and tight finish Tyler Conklin. Adams was launched final month and signed with the Rams, and Conklin signed with the Chargers.
The Jets did add tight finish Stone Smartt and extensive receivers Josh Reynolds and Tyler Johnson in free company, however all are low-cost depth veteran items.
Given the Jets signed quarterback Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract, the case may be made so as to add a ability place playmaker at No. 7. However the Jets might rely rather a lot on their dashing assault subsequent season.
ROUND 1, PICK 7: OL ARMAND MEMBOU, MISSOURI
On the NFL’s annual assembly final week, Glenn hinted to reporters that he deliberate to make use of a variety of Breece Corridor and his backups, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis.
“We have three running backs on this team that we are going to utilize as much as possible,” Glenn stated. “They’re all huge males who can run. They’re violent, they’re bodily.
“I think every player is going to be happy with the way that we go about this offense. If we can get them all on the field at one time, we’ll do that.”
With Fields’ dashing means on the quarterback place, the Jets are anticipated to lean closely into their floor assault. With that being the case, Membou is sensible right here.
Membou is arguably one of the best deal with on this yr’s draft class along with his wonderful mixture of energy and athleticism. At 6-4, 332 kilos, Membou is an enormous man who’s difficult to maneuver due to his thick construct. He may also get to the second stage of the protection and knock gamers to the bottom, which might create extra lanes for ball carriers.
The Lions have been in an identical state of affairs in 2021 after Glenn took over as defensive coordinator. Detroit coach Dan Campbell determined to construct his group within the trenches by choosing deal with Penei Sewell at seventh total. Looks as if this may very well be a little bit of deja vu.
Loads of Jets followers need Gang Inexperienced to draft Penn State’s Tyler Warren at No. 7. Nevertheless, this yr’s draft class on the tight finish place is likely one of the deepest and strongest items on the offensive aspect of the ball. So if the Jets have been to move on Warren, they might discover a starter in Rounds 2 or 3.
ROUND 2, PICK 42: WR JAYLIN NOEL, IOWA STATE
Noel is an thrilling receiver with wonderful pace and burst. In 14 video games for the Cyclones final season, Noel caught 80 passes for 1,194 yards and eight touchdowns. He tasks as a slot receiver within the NFL along with his 5-10, 194-pound body.
Noel additionally supplies worth as a returner, which the Jets might desperately use. Xavier Gipson has been the group’s returner for the final two seasons, however has been inconsistent.
Though he doubtless gained’t be a high receiver possibility, Noel is usually a dwelling run menace who can win matchups on opposing defenses’ three ranges.
ROUND 3, PICK 73: TE HAROLD FANNIN JR., BOWLING GREEN
The Jets definitely want a decent finish, and so they lastly addressed this want within the third spherical by choosing Fannin, one of many extra underrated gamers obtainable within the draft.
Fannin has wonderful athleticism and can be utilized within the slot or the backfield. He may also line up in an H-back position. Final season, Fannin led the nation in receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555).
If Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand can creatively use Fannin, he has the potential to be a breakthrough star within the league.
ROUND 4: PICK 110: EDGE ANTWAUN POWELL-RYLAND JR., VIRGINIA TECH
The Jets don’t essentially want move rush assist with Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson on the roster. However because the saying goes, you may by no means have too many gamers who can get stress on the quarterback, and Powell-Ryland can undoubtedly do this very properly.
After transferring from Florida to Virginia Tech in 2023, Powell-Ryland grew to become probably the greatest move rushers within the nation. He registered 25.5 sacks during the last two seasons, together with 16 in 2024. Nevertheless, questions on his arm size and talent to cease the run are doubtless why Powell-Ryland could slip to Day 3 of the draft.
However his pass-rushing abilities and manufacturing are value a flier in Spherical 4.
ROUND 5, PICK 145: QB KYLE MCCORD, SYRACUSE
Some draft specialists anticipate the Jets to draft a quarterback early. Nevertheless, with Fields and Tyrod Taylor on the roster, the Jets don’t need to rush to take one. That’s why they wait till Spherical 5 to draft McCord, who impressed throughout his solely season at Syracuse. In 13 video games for the Orange, McCord handed for 4,779 yards, 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
McCord is an correct pocket passer who can get the ball out shortly. Nevertheless, he has less-than-average athleticism and may get in bother along with his mechanics when stress is in his face. Within the fifth spherical, the Jets might take McCord to see if he might develop right into a starter ultimately.
ROUND 5, PICK 162: S KITAN CRAWFORD, NEVADA
The Jets signed Andre Cisco in free company and introduced again Isaiah Oliver. However that shouldn’t preclude them from drafting a security in some unspecified time in the future.
Crawford, who transferred to Nevada after three seasons at Texas, is a hard-hitting security with good athleticism and tackling means. His special-teams expertise shall be useful as he tries to work his method up the depth chart.
ROUND 6, PICK 186: TE JACKSON HAWES, GEORGIA TECH
Hawes is a shiny and gifted blocker with the flexibility to line up as an in-line tight finish or within the backfield. Hawes doesn’t have best fingers or the athleticism to separate from defenders. Nevertheless, Hawes will doubtless be a 10-year veteran within the NFL merely due to what he supplies as an in-line blocker within the run and passing recreation.
ROUND 6, PICK 207: CB JASON MARSHALL JR., FLORIDA
With Glenn being a former cornerback, I assume the Jets will choose one in some unspecified time in the future and their remaining decide may very well be the place they do. Marshall has good pace in overlaying each man and zone coverages.
He’s a legal responsibility with regards to tackling. Like Crawford, Marshall can play on particular groups, which might earn him a 53-man roster spot.
