Former New York Jets offensive lineman knows what he wants to see from the team
The first round of the NFL draft is tomorrow, and the New York Jets are widely expected to take a tight end or wide receiver. Pairing Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams with another playmaker could be what the offense needs to reach its full potential. Not everyone feels this way, however.
Former Jets tackle and current ESPN analyst Damien Woody is one of those people. Woody took to X to reiterate that he believes the Jets should draft an offensive tackle instead.
I’ll stand by this one for the Jets. If possible, trading back is the smart money for them to pick an OT & try to re-coup that second for an additional weapon https://t.co/XlXFDdf5iF
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) April 23, 2024
Woody also suggested that the Jets should trade back and attempt to add a second-round pick, which they could use on a weapon.
This idea makes sense for two reasons. First, the Jets can still land a top-rated tackle after sliding back. Second, they can still land an impactful wide receiver on day two of the draft.
Per the NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus mock draft, as many as six tackles are expected to be picked between Nos. 13 and 25. The Jets could add anywhere from a third-round pick to a future first depending on how far they move back (as broken down here). The top seven tackles are closely rated but the class isn’t as impressive after that.
On the opposite end, the wide receiver class is very deep. The top three prospects are on a different level, but several day-two players are expected to be day-one starters.
Simply put, the Jets can land a more impactful wide receiver in the second round than they could a tackle in the third.
While I’m personally an advocate for this plan, why is Woody steadfast in this take?
Woody points to the injury concerns surrounding the Jets’ offensive line as why the Jets should draft a tackle. Three out of five starters missed at least three games last year, two of which are over 30.
For a team that has struggled with injuries in recent years, the concern is valid. The Jets’ poor depth only exacerbates this issue. The Jets have been connected to David Bakhtiari but free agency has limited options remaining otherwise.
Meanwhile, the Jets’ situation at wide receiver is much better, and tight end isn’t bad either. Garrett Wilson has back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons to start his career. Mike Williams is a great player but is recovering from injury. The depth behind them isn’t ideal but there are still solid options in free agency, such as Tyler Boyd.
At tight end, Tyler Conklin is an above-average player and was top 15 at his position in receptions and receiving yards last season. Jeremy Ruckert has shown some upside in limited time.
General manager Joe Douglas has done a good job of building the roster to where there aren’t glaring holes. Several positions can still stand to improve, however.
The speculation will finally end tomorrow. Whatever happens, the Jets will be a better team Friday morning.
