The New York Jets had high expectations after they roped in veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but those plans backfired as they finished their previous season with a disappointing 5-12 record. Despite the setbacks, the Jets possess a solid foundation of young talent as Cornerback Sauce Gardner and Wide receiver Garrett Wilson have emerged as cornerstone players.
They have also signed Justin Fields with a $40 million contract that underscores the team’s commitment to a fresh start. These are the assets around which the Jets can build their team, but they have a few concerns they need to address.
What are the New York Jets' biggest needs in the 2025 NFL draft?
Offensive line
The Jets’ offensive line was inconsistent due to injuries and underperformance. They allowed 40 sacks and were ranked 15th in the league. The Jets had a pass block win rate of 56%, a Pressure percentage of 26.7%, a Sack pressure ratio of 25.7%, and allowed a sack on an average of 3.07 seconds.
Rookie LT Olu Fashanu showed promise with a 77.1 PFF pass-block grade till his season ended in December. Center Joe Tippmann, Guard Alijah Vera Tucker, and LT Tyron Smith were among the notable performers. The Jets have added some depth through free agency by bringing in experienced players like Guard John Simpson, Tackle Chukwuma Okorafor, and Center Josh Myers.
Wide Receivers
Garrett Wilson remains the standout performer with 101 receptions for 1104 yards and has scored seven touchdowns. However, their supporting cast underperformed, and they have now lost veteran Davante Adams to free agency.
While Allen Lazard struggled with drop rate, Tyler Johnson and Malachi Corley failed to provide consistent performance. Hence, the Jets may have to find a solid WR2 or WR3.
Tight Ends
The tight-end group lacked depth. Tyler Conklin led the franchise with 51 receptions for 449 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, Jeremy Ruckert and Zack Kuntz had limited impact, implying that they needed upgrades for the position.
What should the New York Jets do at the NFL draft?
The Jets made some aggressive moves in the free agency, the biggest of them being the acquisition of Justin Fields and WR Josh Reynolds & Tyler Johnson. Now, they have $27.5 million in cap space with $37.06 million in dead money. They also have eight draft picks, including the No. 7 overall pick.
Round 1- Pick 7
The 21-year-old Missouri’s OT Armand Membou has been speculated as the first-round pick for the Jets. Membou received a total of 85 and was ranked third in the NFL Combine.
Round 2- Pick 42
Texas’ DT Alfred Collins is expected to be the second-round pick for the Jets. He is billed at 6’6 feet and 332 lbs with a production score of 73, ranked 12th among the DTs.
FAQs for New York Jets
A: The Jets hold 8 picks in the 2025 draft including the No. 7 overall selection.
A: Tight end is also a concern, with Jeremy Ruckert posting sub-60.0 PFF grades in each of his first three seasons. With the No. 7 overall pick, New York should strongly consider a playmaker like Tetairoa McMillan or Tyler Warren to bolster the passing game.
A: With the 2025 NFL Draft less than a week away, the Jets are set to add youth to an already young roster. They own eight draft picks -- single picks in Rounds 1 (No. 7 overall), 2 (No. 42 overall), 3 (No. 73 overall) and 4 (No. 110), plus pairs in Rounds 5 (No. 154 and No. 162) and 6 (No. 186 and No. 207).
