New York Jets mock draft: Best and worst-case scenarios for Robert Saleh in 2024 NFL Draft

Despite facing a significant amount of pressure with the New York Jets, Robert Saleh is determined to lead the team during the 2024 NFL season. While injuries have hindered his previous role as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, Saleh is determined to prove himself as a well-rounded coach. However, there are concerns among fans in New York that Saleh may struggle to shift his focus away from defense.

Saleh’s draft performance could greatly impact the expectations and sentiments of fans leading into the campaign. The most logical course of action appears to be surrounding Rodgers with an array of targets and options.

Despite any personal opinions about Aaron Rodgers, he remains the focal point of the New York Jets. When a team invests in a veteran QB like Rodgers, it is necessary to fulfill their desires. This may not guarantee a lengthy period of success, but it does provide a window and the Jets cannot afford to underperform once again.

Tampa Bay effectively demonstrated how to achieve this by acquiring the players specifically requested by Tom Brady. This resulted in a championship, although it ultimately depleted their roster when Brady retired from the sport.

The Jets must be willing to take this risk. What is there for them to lose? The team has not seen any success for a significant period of time, so they must make this move with the support of their fans… as long as they execute it correctly.

Despite spending years in Green Bay, Rodgers always dreaded the NFL draft due to the uncertainty it brought. Whether it was the lack of additional offensive weapons or the possibility of his future replacement being drafted, he felt unsettled. This ultimately played a role in his decision to leave the team and join the Jets.

Despite the tempting prospect of trading up for a talent like Marvin Harrison Jr., Saleh must not allow his defensive focus to hinder this draft. He must be willing to take risks and be more aggressive in his decision-making, as if he were in a boxing match and needed to let his hands go.

If the Jets do not have a top-eight offense in 2024, Saleh will not be present in New York in 2025. The NFL draft is crucial for obtaining the necessary pieces to achieve this goal.

Potential 2024 NFL Draft Strategies for the New York Jets

Ultimate Jets Mock Draft: Dream Scenario

With the Jets’ initial pick at #10, they are thrilled to discover that Brock Bowers, the top tight end in the class, is still available. Just as teams previously searched for the next Gronk, they are now on the lookout for the next Travis Kelce.

Bowers possesses a great deal of power and has the ability to significantly impact an entire offense with his skill set. He is a dependable receiver, and Rodgers has always appreciated having a big tight end in Green Bay who can make short gains to sustain lengthy drives.

Both Robert Tonyan and Ryan Finley were successful in building strong QB/TE connections with Rodgers in Green Bay, and his most successful offenses have featured talented tight ends.

In 2024, Bowers has the potential to become an even greater asset for his team. The selection of Bowers is ideal, as his presence as a tight end who serves as a primary receiver will cause opposing defenses to be concerned, increasing the likelihood of a big play.

To continue bolstering their offense, the Jets also take steps to safeguard Rodgers and provide him with more receiving options. In the form of Xavier Legette, who possesses height and length, and Javon Foster, a strong presence on the offensive line, the team prioritizes protecting their quarterback and maintaining his well-being.

Saleh has the opportunity to strengthen his defense in the later stages of the draft by choosing Myles Murphy from North Carolina and Tyler Nubin from Minnesota. Murphy’s impressive explosiveness makes him a potential steal at that point in the draft process.

In this scenario, the draft class played out in full as follows:

• · Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
• · Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
• · Javon Foster, OT, Missouri
• · Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
• · Myles Murphy, DT, North Carolina
• · Hunter Nourzad, OC, Penn State,
• · Austin Reed, QB, Western Kentucky

Potential Disappointments: Jets Mock Draft

In this scenario, defense is the main focus as Saleh chooses Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama with the #10 pick. McKinstry possesses significant potential and can be a game-changer on any NFL defense. However, with Sauce Gardner already on the team, it would not make sense to use the #10 pick on another player in the same position.

While the idea of establishing two shutdown lanes on both sides may be appealing, it is ultimately unnecessary given the Jets’ significant deficiencies in other positions.

Patrick Paul, a reliable OT from Houston, is a valuable asset in protecting Rodgers. However, if the QB lacks dependable receivers, Paul will be forced to work tirelessly whenever Rodgers holds onto the ball for too long. This combination could prove to be disastrous without any additional assistance.

While Mehki Wingo is certainly a talented prospect, selecting him with their third pick poses a problem. It simply isn’t necessary.

Despite Saleh’s delayed efforts to improve his offense, the players available on the draft board are not at the caliber that can benefit the team. This draft board is precisely the type that will frustrate Rodgers to the point of pulling out his hair.

At this moment, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint is not prepared to be an NFL starter, and choosing Jaheim Bell over Brock Bowers would be incredibly frustrating.

This is the list of players that NY is expected to choose in this scenario: