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BREAKING NEWS: Eight Current Jets Who Could Shape the Team’s NFL Draft Decisions
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the New York Jets find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. Coming off a season filled with injuries, inconsistency, and questions about their long-term vision, the team must nail this draft to stay competitive in the AFC East. While all eyes are on potential picks and mock drafts, it’s the current roster that could hold the biggest sway over what general manager Joe Douglas decides on draft night. Here are eight current Jets who could shape the team’s NFL Draft decisions.
1. Aaron Rodgers – Quarterback
Rodgers’ presence alone changes everything. The 40-year-old future Hall of Famer is coming off a season lost to an Achilles injury, and the team still believes he has a few good years left. His influence could keep the Jets from spending early draft capital on a quarterback, pushing the focus toward immediate help. If Rodgers wants a final Super Bowl push, expect picks to prioritize protection (offensive line) and weaponry (receiver, tight end).
2. Mekhi Becton – Offensive Tackle
The former first-rounder has had a roller-coaster ride in New York. Between weight issues and multiple injuries, Becton hasn’t provided the consistent protection expected of a franchise left tackle. Entering a contract year, his uncertain future forces the Jets to consider selecting an offensive tackle in the first round—perhaps someone like Joe Alt or Olu Fashanu—especially to keep Rodgers upright. If Becton isn’t the answer, they’ll need a new bookend lineman soon.
3. Alijah Vera-Tucker – Offensive Line (G/T)
One of the few bright spots on the Jets’ offensive line, Vera-Tucker’s versatility is both a blessing and a dilemma. He’s played guard and tackle when needed, but repeated injuries have limited his availability. His health and projected position could affect whether the Jets draft an interior lineman or a pure tackle. If the Jets feel Vera-Tucker will stay at guard, they may prioritize a true tackle early in the draft.
4. Breece Hall – Running Back
After coming off a torn ACL in 2023, Hall bounced back impressively in 2024 and remains the centerpiece of the Jets’ run game. His presence means the Jets are unlikely to spend premium draft capital on another running back. However, they may look for a complementary back in the middle or late rounds—someone to lessen Hall’s workload and add backfield depth.
5. Garrett Wilson – Wide Receiver
Garrett Wilson is the clear WR1, and the Jets know what they have in him. The question is: who’s WR2? With Rodgers at the helm, the Jets are expected to add more reliable targets. If the front office doesn’t believe Allen Lazard or Xavier Gipson can step up, a wide receiver could be on the table as early as Round 2. Wilson’s production and development might shape whether that receiver is a possession target, a deep threat, or a versatile slot option.
6. Jermaine Johnson – Edge Rusher
Johnson showed major growth in his second year, developing into a consistent threat off the edge. His emergence, alongside Bryce Huff’s departure in free agency, makes edge rusher a potential need—but not a desperate one. If the Jets believe Johnson can be a long-term starter opposite John Franklin-Myers or Will McDonald, they might wait until Day 3 to add depth. Otherwise, pass rush could sneak up as a Round 1 surprise.
7. Sauce Gardner – Cornerback
With Gardner locking down one side of the field and D.J. Reed on the other, cornerback is arguably the least of the Jets’ concerns. Sauce’s elite play allows the Jets to get more aggressive elsewhere in the draft. His presence essentially gives the team permission to ignore CB until late in the draft, if at all. However, if the Jets plan to run more nickel packages, a slot corner could still be in play in the middle rounds.
8. C.J. Uzomah & Tyler Conklin – Tight Ends
The Jets have a decent tight end duo in Conklin and Uzomah, but neither has emerged as a dominant pass-catcher. Rodgers traditionally favors sure-handed tight ends (see: Robert Tonyan, Jermichael Finley), and this draft class features several athletic, pass-catching tight ends like Brock Bowers or Ja’Tavion Sanders. If the Jets feel they lack a true difference-maker at the position, don’t be shocked if they go tight end early—even Round 1, in the case of Bowers.
Draft Strategy Outlook
The Jets’ draft strategy hinges on a win-now mentality due to Aaron Rodgers’ shrinking window. Their current roster leans heavily on veterans, but injuries and contract situations introduce a level of volatility. As such, expect the Jets to aim for plug-and-play prospects—particularly at offensive tackle, wide receiver, and defensive tackle.
It’s also important to remember that Douglas has often favored trading down to accumulate picks. If the board doesn’t fall the way they hope, New York could drop a few spots to gain depth in Rounds 2 and 3.
Final Thoughts
Every draft tells a story, and for the 2025 New York Jets, that story is shaped by a delicate balance of urgency and uncertainty. With Aaron Rodgers nearing the end and holes still visible across the roster, the performances—and future projections—of these eight players could make or break this draft. Whether the Jets push all in on the present or begin hedging bets for the future, how they evaluate their current talent will determine which names are called on draft night.
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