The New York Jets reportedly never considered Brock Bowers with their first-round pick
The New York Jets did not go with their anticipated target, and that was apparently the plan all along.
According to SNY’s Connor Hughes, the team never considered Georgia tight end Brock Bowers with their first-round selection.
From what I'm told: The #Jets never considered Brock Bowers here. That was a smokescreen.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) April 26, 2024
Instead of taking the playmaker, the Jets opted to select Penn State offensive lineman Olu Fashanu after trading down one spot with the Minnesota Vikings. Bowers then went to the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 13.
The Jets, at least to the outside eye, passed on Bowers after an extensive draft process in which he was rumored to be the team’s top target. Most mock drafts had him as the selection at No. 10 overall and saw him as the favorite to be chosen by the team.
Additionally, reports indicated that the Jets were all set to take a playmaker, whether it was Bowers, Rome Odunze, or Malik Nabers.
Ultimately, Nabers and Odunze were off the board, and Bowers was not selected. The Jets opted to bolster their trenches, a need that was arguably greater than gaining another weapon.
Once again, the pick of Fashanu shows that the pre-draft process involves many smoke and mirrors. Nobody truly knows what is happening. Teams often put out fake rumors to get the attention off of who they really like.
The Jets’ apparent interest in Bowers seems to have been no different. It is a reminder that, no matter what, the draft will always provide surprises and shock value.
