With most of free agency complete and the NFL draft less than three weeks away, the New York Jets’ draft plans are beginning to come into focus.
Nothing is guaranteed, but the Jets will likely target several key positions in this year’s draft to address significant roster needs.
One spot that has widely been considered a non-priority is running back. Given the depth of issues elsewhere on the roster, many believe the Jets are unlikely to spend a draft pick on a back.
Not so fast.
Breece Hall is entering the final year of his rookie contract after a disappointing 2024 campaign. Trade rumors surrounding the 23-year-old have begun to swirl, especially after head coach Aaron Glenn grouped Hall with the rest of the team’s running back room when asked about him at the owners meeting.
“I think, mentally, he’s in a good place,” Glenn said. “But I would say that we have three running backs on this team that we’re going to utilize as much as possible.”
With that in mind, today’s mock draft will explore a scenario in which the Jets trade Hall.
Breece Hall traded to the Denver Broncos in exchange for No. 85 overall pick
It’s easy to connect the dots here.
Jets general manager Darren Mougey comes from the Broncos organization, Aaron Glenn has ties to Sean Payton, and Denver needs help at running back after losing Javonte Williams in free agency.
While some fans may find this trade tough to accept, it’s far from a worst-case scenario for the Jets. New York receives a third-round pick (No. 85 overall) in exchange for the fourth-year running back, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Hall had an impressive 2023 season, finishing in the top four in scrimmage yards despite playing in the NFL’s 31st-ranked offense. However, his 2024 season did not follow that trajectory.
Hall’s production declined in many categories; he finished with 876 rushing yards, down from 994 in 2023, on just 14 fewer carries. He averaged a career-low of 4.2 yards per rush attempt despite the Jets’ improved offensive line play. The Iowa State product also fumbled six times, doubling his total from his first two NFL seasons combined.
Despite being a fan favorite, Hall is not a cornerstone player for an organization. The Jets should not be eager to trade him, but they would gladly take a third-round pick in return.
No. 7 overall pick: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Jeanty is among the few generational talents in this year’s draft class.
The Boise State product finished the 2024 season with one of the greatest statistical performances by a running back in FBS history.
Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns while averaging an unheard-of 7.0 yards per carry, falling less than 30 yards short of Barry Sanders’ single-season FBS rushing record.
A Heisman finalist, Jeanty led all FBS and FCS backs in missed tackles forced (152) and yards after contact (1,970).
Unlike the past two seasons, the Jets are no longer operating in a short-term, win-now window (a la Aaron Rodgers). The team has time to retool and isn’t currently built to compete for a Lombardi Trophy.
Right now, the Jets should focus on building sustained success, something Aaron Glenn emphasized during his introductory press conference. Adding the best overall talent aligns with that goal, and Jeanty fits the bill.
Consider Glenn’s time in Detroit, when the Lions used the No. 12 overall pick in the 2023 draft on running back Jahmyr Gibbs. The decision was widely questioned at the time, especially with David Montgomery under contract. Detroit wouldn’t think twice about that move today.
After trading Breece Hall in this scenario, selecting Jeanty makes even more sense.
No. 42 overall pick: Josh Conerly Jr., T, Oregon
Coming out of high school, Conerly Jr. was a highly touted five-star recruit.
The offensive lineman committed to Oregon, where he spent three seasons and appeared in 41 games for the Ducks.
At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Conerly Jr. put together a strong 2024 campaign, excelling in both run blocking and pass protection. He posted a 72.5 run-blocking grade and an 83.6 pass-blocking grade, per Pro Football Focus.
Known for his quickness and explosiveness, Conerly Jr. combines fast hands with elite footwork.
Despite signing Chukwuma Okorafor in free agency, the Jets still need help at right tackle. Conerly Jr. exclusively started at left tackle in his college career but is more than capable of transitioning to the right side.
Drafting Conerly Jr. would solidify the position and lock in all five spots on the Jets’ starting offensive line.
No. 73 overall pick: Jack Bech, WR, TCU
Bech was a four-star recruit who initially committed to Vanderbilt before transferring to LSU.
As a freshman in 2021, Bech played in all 13 games for the Tigers, making seven starts. He recorded 43 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns.
However, his sophomore season was a different story.
Bech played in 12 games but totaled only 200 yards and one touchdown on 16 receptions.
He transferred to TCU ahead of the 2023 season and spent his final two college years as a Horned Frog.
Bech made a significant impact during the 2024 season, posting 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 16.7 yards per catch. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound receiver was a formidable downfield threat, posting an ADOT (average depth of target) of 13.3. Of his 62 receptions, 30 came at least 10 yards downfield.
The Louisiana native also earned Senior Bowl MVP honors in Mobile, Alabama.
Known for his strong hands (one drop in 2024) and playmaking mentality (65% contested catch rate), Bech would be a perfect fit for the Jets, who lack depth at wide receiver and need a physical player to complement Garrett Wilson. Bech could fill that role in Tanner Engstrand’s offense.
No. 85 overall pick (via Breece Hall trade): Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State
After attending Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson, Arizona, Ransom committed to Ohio State and spent all five of his college seasons as a Buckeye.
Appearing in 56 games, Ransom totaled 227 tackles (18 for loss), three interceptions, 13 pass defenses, and six forced fumbles.
The national champion played in 15 games during the 2024 season, posting 76 tackles (nine for loss), one interception, and three forced fumbles.
Despite tendering Tony Adams and signing Andre Cisco in free agency, the Jets still need help at the safety position, particularly strong safety.
Standing at six feet and 206 pounds, Ransom is a versatile safety who can provide depth for the Jets or compete at strong safety. In 2024, Latham played 490 snaps at free safety, 226 snaps in the box, and 82 in the slot.
While he played most of his snaps at free safety, Ransom is best known for his physicality against the run, as his 93.7 run defense grade (via PFF) ranked first in the nation among safeties. He brings a play style that would fit the culture Aaron Glenn is trying to build.
No. 110 overall pick: Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
Committing to Bowling Green, Fannin Jr. spent all three of his collegiate seasons as a Falcon. The Ohio native appeared in 36 games across three seasons, reeling in 180 receptions for 2,396 yards and 17 touchdowns.
In 2024, Fannin Jr. dominated, becoming one of the premier tight ends in all of college football. Among FBS tight ends, Fannin Jr. ranked first in yards (1,555) and touchdowns (10). Additionally, he earned consensus All-American honors along with MAC MVP.
During the 2024 season, the 20-year-old not only broke all of Bowling Green’s receiving records, but he also set several FBS single-season tight end records, including receiving yards (1,555), receptions (117), yards per game (119.6), and broken tackles (34).
After losing Tyler Conklin and Kenny Yeboah in free agency, tight end is a major position of need for the Jets. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Fannin Jr. brings upside as a pass catcher.
No. 145 overall: Kobe King, LB, Penn State
Hailing from Cass Technical High School in Detroit, King was a three-star recruit who committed to Penn State, spending all four of his college seasons as a Nittany Lion.
Over his college career, King tallied 200 total tackles (19 for loss), 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
In the 2024 season, King appeared in 16 games, posting 97 total tackles (nine for loss) and three sacks. His coverage is a question mark after yielding a 125.4 passer rating, but he is a formidable run defender, ranking sixth among Power 4 linebackers (min. 500 snaps) with an 89.2 run defense grade (via PFF).
Despite extending Jamien Sherwood and having Quincy Williams under contract, the Jets released C.J. Mosley and lack proven depth behind Sherwood and Williams. King is a reliable depth option for the Jets on day three of the draft.
One knock against the Jets’ linebacker corps is that they have two lighter starting linebackers in Sherwood and Williams. King, standing at 6-foot-1 and 236 pounds, would add some much-needed bulk.
No. 162 overall: Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech
Hawes was a three-star recruit from Highland High School in Utah.
The Utah native initially committed to Yale, where he spent five seasons. He appeared in 29 games, recording 35 receptions for 371 yards and six touchdowns.
Hawes then transferred to Georgia Tech for his final year of NCAA eligibility. While he didn’t contribute much as a pass catcher (195 yards on 16 receptions), he excelled as a blocker.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 253 pounds, Hawes lined up in line on 65% of his snaps last season and finished with a 74.7 PFF run-blocking grade, ranking 16th among FBS tight ends (min. 150 blocking snaps).
In the fourth round of this mock, I had the Jets selecting Harold Fannin Jr. as a big-bodied pass catcher. Now, Hawes steps in as a pure blocking tight end.
No. 186 overall: Tonka Hemingway, IDL, South Carolina
Hemingway spent all five of his college seasons with the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Throughout his career, the Conway, South Carolina native appeared in 61 games, recording 112 total tackles (18 for loss) and 9.5 sacks.
In the 2024 season, Hemingway totaled 25 tackles and four sacks in 13 games.
Despite adding three free-agent defensive tackles, the Jets could still use additional depth, and Hemingway could be a fit as a late-round pick. At 6-foot-3 and 289 pounds, he is a potential fit for the tweener role that Aaron Glenn prioritized in Detroit.
No. 207 overall: Ryan Fitzgerald, K, Florida State
After the Jets’ kicking debacle last season, it wouldn’t be the worst move for Gang Green to select a kicker.
During the 2024 season, Fitzgerald was perfect on all 13 of his field goal attempts, including five kicks from 50 yards or longer, with a long of 59.
Final draft class
- Round 1, Pick 7: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
- Round 2, Pick 42: Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
- Round 3, Pick 73: Jack Bech, WR, TCU
- Round 3, Pick 85 (via Hall trade): Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State
- Round 4, Pick 110: Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
- Round 5, Pick 145: Kobe King, LB, Penn State
- Round 5, Pick 162: Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech
- Round 6, Pick 186: Tonka Hemingway, IDL, South Carolina
- Round 7, Pick 207: Ryan Fitzgerald, K, Florida State
