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Jets 2025 Mock Draft: Rebuilding Trust

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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers

Never underestimate Woody Johnson’s willingness to self-sabotage his franchise. 15 years after trading for aging Packers quarterback Brett Favre before training camp, Woody Johnson repeated this process by acquiring his successor Aaron Rodgers. After a 7-10 season in 2022 with a stellar defense led by a head coach adored by the locker room, the Jets were on the rise and a “quarterback away” from the playoffs. But after an Achilles tear and a 2-5 record, an aged Aaron Rodgers’s early returns have been a failure. He looks like a shell of himself but still carries all the off-the-field baggage. The Jets’ light schedule has a chance to sneak into the playoffs. However, with the defense injured and missing Robert Saleh, it’s becoming clear. The rebuild is coming. This Jets 2025 Jets mock draft will add some key pieces, including an answer for their porous run defense.

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Jets 2025 Mock Draft: Rebuilding Trust

2024 was supposed to be the breakthrough. Year four of the Robert Saleh regime had on paper a thin but still elite defense ready to lead this team to the playoffs. Now armed with a healthy Aaron Rodgers with some new additions, the offense looked to finally hold up their end of the bargain. But halfway through October and now a head coach removed; the Jets season has been a failure. The run defense has given up over 120 yards per game. Jermaine Johnson tore his Achilles. Injuries to the secondary. But none of this is as disappointing as the offense still performing the same as when Zach Wilson was under center.

While his Canton enshrinement is guaranteed, Aaron Rodgers’ patented lackluster leadership infected the locker room. Now, the 40-year-old quarterback has thrown six interceptions through three games during a four-game losing streak. The Jets have weapons on offense, but they simply can’t compete with the echelon of the AFC anytime soon. In this mock draft, we go into it under the assumption Aaron Rodgers retires after the season. With his retirement, the Jets will still be on the paying end for his void years until 2027. But for a new regime to get a clean slate, it’s worth it to get a fresh start. In addition, with the Jets unlikely to reach an AFC Championship/Super Bowl; the Jets will retain their 2nd round pick from the Devante Adams trade. However, Las Vegas will retain the Jets own third-round pick.

1st round, 5th overall pick: Mason Graham; Defensive Tackle, Michigan

With Rodgers retiring, the need for a quarterback is apparent. Fortunately, veteran Tyrod Taylor is a valuable backup who the team can rely on for the most part as a starter in a rebuild. There’s also former Florida State standout Jordan Travis on the roster who could earn some playing time later this season. Nonetheless, the run defense is a more pressing issue. You can’t win football games giving up over 120 yards to your opponent.

To help, the Jets selected standout Michigan lineman Mason Graham. Graham has been praised by his former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh as “God’s gift to football” for his impact on the Wolverines National Championship last year. Graham has a great first step despite his six foot three inches & 318 lb frame. His strong legs and active vision allow him to find the gaps to attack on the backfield. A duo of Graham and Qiuinnen Williams could completely turn around the Jets run defense next year.

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2nd round, 41st overall: Nick Emmanwori; Safety, South Carolina

It’s difficult not to choose an offensive lineman or quarterback here. However, when Olu Fashanu takes over at left tackle, the offensive line should perform better with someone who can extend plays with their legs. To fortify the Jets’ defense, I have them addressing a dire need for safety. Sauce Gardner and Michael Carter II need a young safety to grow with. Nick Emmanwori has become a star under the tutelage of Will Muschamp at South Carolina. He’s able to cover the whole field & a ballshark when it comes to getting after the ball. He has four interceptions on the season, two of which returned for touchdowns for the Gamecocks defensive star. A three-year starter in the SEC, Emmanwori could be a massive benefit to the secondary.

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3rd round(via Detroit Lions), 95th overall: Kurtis Rourke; Quarterback, Indiana

There are earlier opportunities to get quarterbacks in this draft, but outside of only Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward, I don’t feel comfortable with the other options. But, to address needs while taking someone with Rourke’s upside is a risk I’m willing to take. Kurtis Rourke is no one-year wonder. The Indiana quarterback is thriving in his first year in the Big 10, but he was a previous two-year starter at Ohio University. At six foot five inches and 230 lbs, he has the size to be successful. Rourke’s completed an outstanding 74% of his passes for 1,941 yards. Plus 15 touchdowns to only three interceptions. At 23 years old, he’s on the older side for a prospect. However, we’ve seen late-round quarterbacks succeed early with his kind of starting experience. Add his ability to throw with touch and he could make him a great leader to this offense.

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4th round, 108th overall: Jonah Monheim; interior offensive line/offensive tackle, USC

While Aaron Rodgers has been disappointing, few can match that level like Tyron Smith. Another guaranteed Hall of Famer, Tyron Smith is not the same man we watched protect Tony Romo & Dak Prescott’s blindside. With Olu Fashanu set to take over at left tackle, New York adds an experienced offensive lineman in Jonah Monheim. Still a work in progress as a run blocker, but he should be a massive boost to the interior pass protection.

5th round, 144th overall: Cobee Bryant; cornerback, Kansas

Can he bring the mamba mentality? In all seriousness, Cobee Bryant is a fun prospect. DJ Reed is a free agent so addressing cornerback depth is key. Bryant bounced back from an ankle injury in 2022 with a great season for the Jayhawks in 2023. With four interceptions and a forced fumble thus far this season, the senior defensive back can fit in nicely in this secondary.

6th round, 181st overall: Kamari Morales; tight end, Boston College

If the Jets want to capitalize on their loaded wide receiver duo of Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson, they will need an upgrade over Tyler Conklin at tight end. Kamari Morales isn’t a commodity like Colston Loveland, but the Boston College transfer is a solid player. Morales came to Boston College after spending four years at the University of North Carolina. He set the Tarheels career touchdowns record by a tight end with ten. Between learning from Mack Brown to now learning from Bill O’Brien, Morales has a lot of potential to tap with the right quarterback.

6th round(Chiefs pick;Mecole Hardman trade), 208th overall: Ryan Fitzgerald; kicker, Florida State

Nearly everything that could have gone wrong for Greg Zuerlein has. After an outstanding 2023 season, the veteran kicker has been a detriment completing only 60% of his field goals. However, a young kicker is also dealing with a chaotic team around him that is his perfect replacement. Ryan Fitzgerald is a lone bright spot in Mike Norvell’s hectic roster at Florida State.

Main Photo: [Charles LeClaire] – USA Today Sports

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