The 2024 NFL Draft is over and we won’t have to see another mock draft again for a long time. Hallelujah.
For the Jets, most experts believe Joe Douglas hit it out of the park with his draft selections. Nobody really knows until we see these guys on an NFL field, but on paper, it looks impressive.
The Jets got a stud offensive lineman who may start off as a backup, but with injuries bound to happen, Olu Fashanu will get playing time this season.He will be their starting offensive tackle of the future beginning in 2025.
They got an explosive receiver who gives them flexibility. They got two power running backs to join Breece Hall in the backfield. They got a developmental QB who may be their QB of the future after Aaron Rodgers.
Offense, offense, offense. Woody Johnson wasn’t kidding.
The first five picks the Jets made were on the offensive side of the football. Keep Aaron Rodgers healthy and the Jets are cooking.
The potential is there for this to be a contender in 2024.
To recap what the Jets did in the draft, along with the trades of Zach Wilson and John Franklin-Myers, we bring you a special episode of the “Gang’s All Here” podcast with Brian Costello and me.
Gang’s All Here Podcast with Jake Brown & Brian Costello:
- ZACH WILSON & JFM TRADE: Coz reacts for the first time on the pod to the Jets trading Zach Wilson to the Broncos for a pick swap. The key for the Jets was the Broncos eating half of the $5.5 million. John Franklin-Myers was great in a Jets uniform and this deal was strictly to dump his salary on to the Broncos. With the Jets bringing in Haason Reddick, JFM’s cap hit was too much for the Jets to carry. JFM was one of Joe Douglas’ best signings in his tenure here.
- OLU: Olu Fashanu gives the Jets their future starting offensive tackle and the first man to come off the bench if there’s an injury. He’s an All-American and an elite pass blocker. While Brock Bowers was there for Gang Green, this is probably the safer pick for an offensive line that had everyone get hurt last year.
- MALACHI CORLEY: If you listen to the pod, you know I love a good WR reverse. Corley is a guy who can be used in different packages and give the Jets some flexibility on offense. The “YAC King” does damage when he has the ball and Aaron Rodgers should love throwing to him.
- RB PICKS: The Jets took a couple of running backs in the 4th and 5th rounds in Braelon Allen out of Wisconsin and Isaiah Davis out of South Dakota State. Both have power, especially Allen who squats over 600 pounds. They will be perfect to join Breece Hall and gives the Jets a bit of everything out of the backfield.
- JORDAN TRAVIS: While the Florida State QB may not be ready at the start of the season as he comes back from a gruesome broken leg, he was a Heisman candidate before the injury. He’s a winner. He’ll have the chance one day to be the Jets starter and for now, he can learn from Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor.
- JETS OUTLOOK: The Jets offense has dramatically improved this offseason with a brand new offensive line, added weapons in Corley and Mike Williams and some added young running backs. The key to the pieces all coming together is the future Hall of Fame QB staying on the field. If he does, the Jets should be in the running for the playoffs and even an AFC East title.
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Catch up on all episodes of “Gang’s All Here,” a New York Jets podcast, by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Coz and Jake on Twitter @BrianCoz and @JakeBrownRadio.