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

How the New York Jets might approach the 2024 NFL Draft.

By Nicholas Rome

General manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh at the New York Jets Rookie Camp, held at
General manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh at the New York Jets Rookie Camp, held at / Chris Pedota/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY
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252nd Overall Pick - Devin Leary - Quarterback - Kentucky

Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary (13) passes near Clemson defensive end Justin Mascoll (7) during
Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary (13) passes near Clemson defensive end Justin Mascoll (7) during / Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK

Following the disaster of 2023, the Jets will likely be in the market for a backup quarterback to Aaron Rodgers. Here the Jets could draft a developmental prospect to learn behind Rodgers in Devin Leary.

At one point in time, Leary was considered a top-ten pick at quarterback before having a few down years between NC State and Kentucky. Leary finished 2023 with 2,746 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 Interceptions.

The best asset of his game is by far the accuracy in the short passing range. The Jets at times struggled because Zach Wilson was missing the easy throws resulting in the receivers not getting the ball in space. Landing a late quarterback would allow the Jets to have a low cost backup that could eventually compete to become the team's starting quarterback.

253rd Overall Pick - Kendall Milton - Running back - Georgia

Dec 30, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Kendall Milton (2) reacts after
Dec 30, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Kendall Milton (2) reacts after / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

While running back isn't a massive need for the Jets heading into the offseason, a player of Kendall Milton's caliber is too good to pass up this late in the draft. Milton's played in four seasons at Georgia with 2023 being his strongest season yet. In 2023, Milton rushed for 790 yards and 14 touchdowns on 121 carries.

The Jets will need to add a talented back as insurance for Breece Hall who will be a year removed from ACL Surgery. Milton's blend of speed and strength made him one of the hardest backs to tackle in the SEC. The biggest area you'd like to see Milton improve in is as a receiver with the back catching just 12 passes in four seasons.