Thanks to Sam Randazzo for doing this. He went deep to predict what the Jets might do at the 2024 NFL Draft.
Seemingly out of nowhere the narrative that a Jet’s team that let most of us down during the 2023 season (yes, I know Rodgers was out…I was at MetLife on that faithful night) is going to burn the 10th overall pick on Brock Bowers. I cannot get behind it, and I cannot say enough how much I hate it. Bowers is quite a talent, but more of a luxury pick, which the Jets cannot currently afford.
This Jet’s front office depends on filling their needs in this draft to keep their jobs. The expectation for the Jets this year is to be Super Bowl caliber, and with the right moves in the draft, they may just get close.
The Jets should address their wide receiver problems, with the 10th pick. Mike Williams was a nice addition, but having played 16 games over the last two years, how dependable is he going into 2024 at 30 coming off an ACL tear?
The offensive line is another position of huge need, but in a draft that is so deep on tackles, if they are gunning for Garrett Wilson’s number 2, they will need to be aggressive.
I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Jets get active, and possibly try to trade up (perhaps Tennessee…) for a shot at Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze. If they stay at 10, I think they will ultimately address the offensive line rather than a receiver.
I love the way Taliese Fuaga fits into the mix. Yes, they signed Tyron Smith, and yes they traded for Morgan Moses, but age and injury are concerns with Smith, and ultimately they both signed one-year deals. Fuaga can be your anchor lineman of the future, and he can also play guard if there is a logjam at tackle.
With their third-round pick, the Jets should bolster their secondary, or address linebacker.
Jeremiah Trotter LB from Clemson, or Cole Bishop S from Utah would be great picks at 72.
In my opinion, Trotters’ size is the only reason he is not a first-round pick. He is on the smaller side, and lacking length, but he makes up for it in quickness and smarts. He has unmatched control, and his elusiveness is a massive benefit in blitz situations.
Bishop is a quick, hard-hitting, tough guy that can man up on tight ends. He has a super high motor and loves to light everyone in his path up. An enforcer like Bishop would be an awesome addition to the Jets’ secondary.
Don’t be shocked to see the Jets use a Day 3 pick on a QB. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them take a fourth-round flyer on Spencer Rattler, or Jordan Travis, to give a young guy at least a year behind Aaron, and Tyrod Taylor.
Credit: Michael Palazzolo, Co-host of The Tipped Balls Podcast.
With three picks in the top 53, It shouldn’t be hard for the Eagles to get better and add to a franchise that had one of the better, more active off-seasons.
Running a few mock draft simulators gives us a couple options for the Eagles to fill some holes that could shorten their path back to another NFC East title.
The big three positions I’d focus on for the Eagles at pick 22 are: Corner, Offensive Tackle and Edge Rusher. This is who may be worth a flyer at 22:
OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State- The Eagles would be wise to do their homework on one of the draft’s best tackles that sits in their backyard. Fautanu held his own against some of the Big Ten’s best over the last few years. Could be a nice anchor in the run game.
OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State- The first thing that stands out with Fuaga is his athleticism. A late bloomer that has an undeniable tape. I can picture him nicely complimenting Lane Johnson, someone he is comparable to. Imagine the tush push with this guy in the fold.
OT Troy Fautanu, Washington- A great all around blocker that anchored this year’s Joe Moore Award winning offensive line. His traits that make him an asset in both pass and run protect. He’s also the most likely option of the three to be sitting there at 22.
CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson- I’m operating under the assumption that Terrion Arnold and Quinyon Mitchell will both be gone by 22. Wiggins is the best of the remaining CBs and has lots of traits the Eagles will love. The main one is his speed. The guy ran a blazing 4.29 at the combine.
CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa- Another athletic freak. Once considered a top three corner in the class, his stock took a hit with an injury to his leg to end his college career. Things have healed and he has started to work out privately for teams. Instincts and ball skills would benefit an Eagles secondary that could use more turnovers.
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama- Also thought of very highly in the early draft process, McKinstry flew under the radar this year and has since been jumped by his own teammate on draft boards. That being said, he was a day one starter for Nick Saban and allowed very few plays against while covering some of the SEC’s best.
DE Laiatu Latu, UCLA- This guy would look outstanding next to Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. Although there were injury concerns after being forced to medically retire at Washington, but eventually he was cleared and he strung together a very productive 2023 campaign at UCLA.
DE Jared Verse, Florida State- I don’t know if he’ll make it to 22, but the Eagles will jump if they see him. Great size and intangibles, as very aggressive off the line and can hunt quarterbacks down with ease. His potential on this Eagles front is enticing.
DE Chop Robinson, Penn State- Another Penn State guy I’m sure the Eagles are familiar with. A bit of a reach at 22, mainly because he still seems to be pretty raw. But the abilities stand out on his tape, and he’s as athletic as they come. Maybe joining that Eagles front will be what it takes to fully unlock his potential.
Credit: -Sam Randazzo
Founder & Host
