The New York Jets may continue to add talent to the offensive side of the football.
After signing veteran wide receiver Mike Williams on a one-year contract, Gang Green became the top choice to acquire another offensive talent.
Rich Cimini of ESPN mentioned on social media that, “The Jets are currently expected to select Georgia TE Brock Bowers in the first round, per @ESPNBet. They became the frontrunners to draft him on Sunday and moved from +125 to +110 after the Mike Williams signing.”
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein described him as a “Prolific pass-catching tight end with a rare combination of acceleration, speed, body control, and hands that could revive a lackluster NFL offense.”
Jets Have the Ultimate Flexibility on Draft Day
The Jets had several pressing needs on the offensive side of the ball heading into the 2024 offseason. Credit to general manager Joe Douglas who has managed to address them all just a week into free agency.
New York already has a new starting offensive line without any help from the upcoming draft. Additionally, the team made a significant impact by adding Williams to the receiving corps.
This gives Gang Green a powerful duo at wide receiver with Williams and Garrett Wilson. The team may still need a third receiver, which could be addressed later in the draft or by signing a low-cost veteran free agent.
With all those positions filled, the Jets are in a strong position. The team could go in several different directions with the No. 10 overall pick in the first round.
One area of the offense that is decent but not outstanding is the tight end position. Tyler Conklin has proven to be a reliable starter. Jeremy Ruckert has shown bursts of potential at times. The remaining tight ends are uncertain options and special team players.
Bowers could bring something unique to the table and provide another pass catcher for Aaron Rodgers.
Popular Draft Analyst Likes Brock Bowers Fit With the Jets
Mel Kiper Jr of ESPN released his third mock draft of the 2024 offseason on Tuesday, March 19. In that article, he predicted that the green and white would select Bowers.
“The Jets have to maximize their window with 40-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. That’s what I keep coming back to. So after they were able to sign left tackle Tyron Smith to a one-year deal, who’s the player they could take here to make the most immediate impact? For me, it’s Bowers, a tremendous pass-catching tight end who could elevate the offense and provide a safety net for Rodgers,” Kiper explained.
This mock was released before the Jets signed Williams, but Kiper added an editorial note saying his pick wouldn’t change, “Tight end is still a void.”
The risk with a choice like that is the Jets would be taking a chance with the offensive line. While everything looks great on paper, the two starting offensive tackles are both 33 years old.
If either one were to be sidelined by injury, the green and white wouldn’t have strong alternatives on the bench. Kiper called it a “delicate balance” for the Jets to manage in terms of competing for now and also considering the future.
“That’s why I also wouldn’t dismiss the possibility of choosing a tackle in this situation; Smith and right tackle Morgan Moses, who the Jets got in a trade last week, will have their contracts expire in 2025,” Kiper stated. “It’s a difficult situation for Douglas.”
