The Jets are set to select three players in the first round on Thursday night as GM Darren Mousey and coach Aaron Glenn make some roster adjustments.
Here are some thoughts on what to expect from the Jets’ first round.
1. It’s quite unusual for the Jets to pick two offensive playmakers in the first round, marking a significant shift toward emphasizing offense. Historically, this team has leaned heavily on defense, largely due to the backgrounds of head coaches like Herm Edwards, Eric Mangini, Rex Ryan, Todd Bowles, and Robert Saleh, with the exception of Adam Gase’s two-year tenure.
There were definitely times when the focus seemed solely on defense. All first-round selections from 2010 to 2017 were defensive players. And, in recent drafts, when the Jets did pivot toward offense, they primarily targeted quarterbacks or offensive linemen.
That’s why Thursday feels different. The Jets have brought in tight end Kenyon Saddiq and wide receiver Omar Cooper, which is a refreshing change. Aside from Garrett Wilson, new offensive talent has been rare around here. This past reliance on free agents for weapons was, well, less than smart.
This season, it feels like the Jets could have used their valuable picks to shore up some defensive weaknesses and then grab a key player like Geno Smith. Let’s see how this all plays out. For now, the strategy appears sound, and that’s really what we can judge the Jets on at this moment.
2. It’s always intriguing to dive into the thought process of a general manager and head coach. Last night, I noted a noticeable contrast between the Jets’ top two picks.
They chose David Bailey over Arvel Rees, prioritizing proven productivity over potential. Bailey had a standout year at Texas Tech, boasting 14.5 sacks, while Reese is more of an enigma at his position.
That makes sense on one hand.
But then they picked Saddiq at 16, and while he has decent stats (51 receptions, 560 yards, 8 touchdowns), they’re not remarkable. In fact, ESPN’s Ben Solak pointed out that his average college performance of 21.2 yards per game is the lowest for any first-round tight end in the past 15 drafts.
This selection seems to underscore a focus on Saddiq’s incredible athleticism, considering he clocked a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. He certainly looks impressive on the field, with his blend of size and speed.
I’m not against this choice; Saddiq was among my favorites in the draft. Still, it’s curious that the Jets championed the measurability debate with their second pick but seemingly flipped that approach for the 16th pick.
3. Jets fans should definitely feel a spark of excitement with three first-round picks. It’s only the third time in franchise history they’ve done this.
However, it’s a bit less thrilling to me personally. The last instance was pretty recent—2022—when they picked Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, and Jermaine Johnson. That felt like a massive win at first. Gardner and Wilson both snagged Rookie of the Year, and Johnson showed promise, making the Pro Bowl in his second season.
Fast forward four years, and while Gardner and Johnson are gone, Wilson had a decent run, but without any wins to show for it.
This serves as a reminder that while having three first-round picks is certainly exciting, it doesn’t guarantee a transformative outcome for the Jets. Who knows, maybe one, or even two, of these players might not pan out.
4. Another point from the 2022 draft is that none of these picks will matter if Mousey and Glenn can’t nail down a long-term QB solution. The 2022 draft class was strong, bolstered by the addition of second-round pick Breece Hall. Even Aaliyah Vera Tucker was solid for a 2021 pick, though his health was a concern. With the appointment of Zach Wilson, things were destined to go south.
The Jets might eye a quarterback with their 44th pick, but it seems more probable that they’ll wait for next year to grab a franchise quarterback. They might take a developmental QB this Saturday, but they’ll regret it if they don’t secure the right signal-caller soon. Just look at Myles Garrett in Cleveland; Saddiq and Cooper’s careers will struggle to flourish without a capable QB.
It sounds elementary, but it really hinges on the quarterback’s choices.
5. I’m eager to see how Glenn fosters the development of edge rushers. The Jets currently boast four key players: Bailey, Will McDonald, Joseph Ossai, and Kingsley Enagbare. While Bailey and McDonald are more speed rushers, neither is particularly strong against the run. Enagbare excels in that department, and Ossai has versatility.
Having Bailey and McDonald on the field simultaneously could create challenges, though it’s not entirely clear-cut. They are first-round picks, after all, and relegating them to just pass-rushing roles isn’t ideal.
Most defensive coaches lament a lack of sufficient rushers, which likely rings true. It’ll be fascinating to see how Glenn manages playing time among these players.
