Jets 7-Round Mock Draft After Super Bowl: Protection for Rodgers Arrives

Entering what may be Aaron Rodgers' final season with the New York Jets, the team will need to nail the NFL Draft to surround the veteran with a team capable of going on a run. The offense will be the focus of the off-season as the team desperately needs weapons and offensive line help.

Protecting Rodgers will be the top priority for Joe Douglas as this season showed the team can't compete if number eight goes down. The draft is the best avenue for the team to get better as they enter the offseason with just four million dollars in cap space before any cuts.

10th Overall Pick - JC Latham - Right Tackle - Alabama

In our first mock draft we had the Jets landing Olu Fashanu as their tackle of the future however, this time around, he goes ahead of the Jets. If Fashanu and Alt come off the draft board, the Jets will may move down in the draft.

Yet, here they stand pat and draft Alabama tackle JC Latham. He's spent his time at Alabama on the right side of the line but, that's not due to a lack of talent.

Adding a tackle of Latham's stature is important this offseason as the Jets will need to keep Aaron Rodgers healthy. The Jets will likely lose Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown in free agency meaning they'll need to focus heavily on rebuilding the offensive line.

His 6-foot-6, 305-pound frame is a great fit for the way the tackle position has evolved in 2024. Latham is a mauler in the rushing game using his size and speed to demolish defenders. He's shown to have solid footwork which will help in pass protection at the next level as well.

Even if the Jets have to "reach" in taking Latham at ten, they're landing a franchise cornerstone at right tackle for years to come.