New York Jets Snag Potential Superstar In Expert's First-Round Mock Draft

If the NFL Draft plays out this way, the New York Jets would get a solid skill player to pair with whoever their quarterback may be.

The New York Jets have spent the offseason adding pieces on offense in an effort to make sure quarterback Aaron Rodgers has everything he needs when he returns from his Achilles injury.

The 2024 NFL Draft may be no different, if The Athletic’s recent seven-round mock draft is an indication.

Lead analyst Dane Brugler went deep and projected every single pick in the draft. But, in the first round at No. 10 overall, he projects the Jets will take Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.

Brugler sees Bowers as a player that can help New York win from “day one.”

He played three seasons at Georgia and was part of their back-to-back national championship teams. He was one of quarterback Stetson Bennett's most reliable targets, catching a program-record 13 touchdown passes in his first full season in 2021.

The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Napa, Calif., native had 175 catches for 2,538 yards and 26 touchdowns in three years. Last season he caught passes from quarterback Carson Beck in a rather seamless transition.

The 21-year-old was a unanimous All-American in 2023, earning his third All-American selection while in college, and won two John Mackey awards, given to college football’s best tight end. He was also a three-time All-SEC First-Team selection and the 2021 SEC Freshman of the Year.

The Jets have four tight ends on the roster right now — Kenny Yeboah (whom they retained as a restricted free agent), Jeremy Ruckert, Zack Kuntz and Tyler Conklin.

Conklin led Jets tight ends with 621 yards receiving. But a player like Bowers figures to challenge Conklin immediately.

Adding Bowers would be another boost to an offense New York has spent the offseason reimagining in anticipation of Rodgers’ return.

Most notably, the Jets signed free-agent wide receiver Mike Williams away from the Los Angeles Chargers last month.

Up front, they have augmented their offensive line with the signings of former All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith, a mainstay of the Dallas Cowboys. The Jets also snagged two Baltimore Ravens —  veteran left guard John Simpson as a free agent and veteran right tackle Morgan Moses by trade.

The NFL Draft is set to start on April 25 in Detroit.