As the New York Jets approach a critical offseason, their primary objective will be to bolster the talent surrounding their star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. However, there is uncertainty within the NFL community regarding the team’s draft strategy.
According to insights from The Athletic’s Mike Sando, while there are indications that the Jets may opt for Georgia tight end Brock Bowers with the No. 10 pick, some voices argue that prioritizing the offensive line would be more prudent.
One NFL executive expressed strong opposition to the idea of selecting a tight end over addressing the offensive line needs, particularly when holding a top-10 pick. They characterized such a decision as “malpractice” and deemed it “ridiculous.”
According to the executive, Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu would be a more suitable choice for the Jets at the 10th pick. Another executive suggested that if the Jets opt not to select an offensive tackle with their 10th pick, they should consider trading back in the first round to acquire one later. However, this executive acknowledged the difficulty of passing up on a talent like Bowers.
The executive emphasized the unique position of the Jets, noting that they are under pressure to perform well in the upcoming season or risk losing their jobs. They highlighted the importance of prioritizing positions that serve as building blocks for the team’s success. While acknowledging the appeal of adding weapons for Aaron Rodgers, they also mentioned the Jets’ past struggles in acquiring quality offensive linemen and suggested that the team may prioritize addressing this need through free agency.