Everyone has the New York Jets going offensive line, but this mock takes a different approach
Contrary to most predictions, a new mock draft does not think the New York Jets are guaranteed to select an offensive tackle with their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
In The Ringer’s first 2024 mock draft, the team selected Georgia’s star tight end Brock Bowers with the 10th overall pick.
Mock Draft by @BenjaminSolak https://t.co/0WGORPmf8v pic.twitter.com/godPGJP5X4
— Danny Heifetz (@Danny_Heifetz) February 14, 2024
Analyst Benjamin Solak, discussing the selection of Bowers, said, “They (New York) need a second pass catcher to pair with Garrett Wilson; they do not have a strong starting tight end, and Bowers has the blocking prowess to help mitigate their lackluster tackle situation.
“Tight ends don’t usually contribute early in their careers, and the Jets’ brass needs quick wins right now—but as Sam LaPorta and Kyle Pitts have shown us in recent years, young tight ends are onboarding faster than ever,” said Solak.
The selection of Bowers is very interesting in both the context of this mock draft and in an overall sense. Solak had the Jets passing on Oregon State tackle Taliese Fuaga, who was selected by the Raiders three picks later.
Overall, tackle is arguably the team’s biggest need, and most mock drafts have them selecting a player at that position. Whether Fuaga, Penn State’s Olu Fashanu, or even Notre Dame’s Joe Alt, it has been almost consensus to give the Jets a reinforcement on the offensive line.
Yet, the Jets need upgrades at their skill positions, and Bowers would represent a significant one. Outside of his blocking prowess, he has significant potential as a receiver, notching 714 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games played this past season.
As Solak mentioned, he would give Wilson a legitimate running mate and help the Jets’ offense take a step forward with his multifaceted ability.
It is tough to determine how a team will draft, especially before the start of free agency. The Jets could address their lack of weapons on the pro market, leaving them as a surefire offensive line destination in the draft.
On the other hand, they could sign multiple offensive linemen, giving them the flexibility necessary to draft Bowers or another weapon in the first round.
Ultimately, mock drafts are a way to play out different scenarios for teams in the draft. While not being the most popular option, the Jets selecting Bowers would help the team and represent a unique beginning to a draft that the team needs to have success in.
