We are only one day from the 2025 NFL draft, and the New York Jets’ first pick is still a toss-up.
Two players have emerged as the favorites to be the Jets’ pick at No. 7: Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou and Penn State tight end Tyler Warren.
The Jets are reportedly infatuated with Warren, but most mocks still have the Jets selecting Membou. However, the new front office has locked down any leaks, and media members are only guessing what they may do.
While the Jets’ first-round pick is obviously important, the team still has seven other draft picks. What they do on Thursday will impact their plans for Friday, Saturday, and beyond.
Drafting Armand Membou
Membou has been the favorite to be the seventh pick since his stellar combine. While his combine put him on the map, his tape is what makes him a consensus top 10 pick.
If the Jets opt to plug the last hole on their offensive line, how will the rest of the draft look?
Tight end is arguably the biggest hole on the roster. The Jets could take one in the second round, but their pre-draft visits indicate they would prefer a different position.
The Jets’ pre-draft visits show they’re eyeing defense with their second pick. They’ve met five defensive players ranked between 20 and 40 on the consensus big board.
The 2025 tight end class is extremely deep. While drafting one at No. 42 would give the Jets better odds, they could feasibly find a day one starter in the third round. It’s a risky gamble, but Mougey was part of a Broncos front office that excelled at finding late-round contributors.
If the Jets don’t like their tight end options at Nos. 42 or 73, they may be inclined to make a trade. The free agent market is barren, and several quality players have been rumored to be available, including players like Mark Andrews, Dallas Goedert, Kyle Pitts, and Noah Fant, to name a few.
Drafting Tyler Warren
Warren to the Jets has been the most consistent connection this offseason.
The Jets have a gaping hole at tight end after the departure of Tyler Conklin. They will likely bring over several elements from the most tight end-heavy offense in the NFL as well.
Warren is generally viewed as the top tight end in the draft, although Colston Loveland has been closing the gap. So, how would his selection impact the rest of the Jets’ draft?
Taking Warren practically locks the Jets into taking an offensive tackle in round two. The Jets have met with three offensive tackles who are expected to go from picks 25 to 60. While they could wait until the third round, it’s unrealistic to expect any players in that range of the draft to start in year one.
Taking an offensive tackle in round two pushes defensive tackle to round three. Similar to offensive tackle, the Jets have heavily researched DTs projected in the top 25-60 picks. Thankfully, DT is never a dire need with Quinnen Williams.
The free agent markets at OT and DT are better than tight end, but that’s not saying much.
The Jets’ first three picks will be…
Tight end, offensive tackle, and defensive line. I’d bet on it being in that order, too. The reports between the Jets and Warren are hard to ignore. Pair that with Jets’ research on day two offensive tackles and defensive linemen, and Mougey’s plan becomes clear.
When you win five games, you will always have a plethora of holes heading into the draft. Realistically, the Jets will still have holes even when the season starts.
It’s up to Mougey to balance need and value. While the Jets should try to fill their needs, the most important goal is to fill the roster with talent, even if that means taking a defensive player in round one or leaving the draft without an offensive tackle.
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