New York Jets' 5 Biggest Needs in 2024 NFL Draft

The New York Jets offseason is officially underway with sights set on the 2024 season. The 2023 campaign highlighted the position groups the Jets need to improve.

General manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh have displayed their ability to pluck some good talent from the NFL Draft and have a chance to do it again in late April.

For the biggest season in recent history for the Jets, Joe Douglas should target these five specific position groups.

1. Offensive tackle

New York's offensive line was putrid in 2023. They had trouble staying healthy and blocking which had a ripple effect on the offense. The Jets started a league-high 13 different offensive line combinations this season.

New York isn't likely to retain 2020 first-rounder Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown is 38 years old. He was hindered by injuries all season long. So they'll be in the market for two new offensive tackles. Lucky for them, the 2024 NFL Draft is rich in that department.

2. Wide Receiver

Garrett Wilson is a clear-cut stud playmaker on the outside. Sadly, New York has no other capable receiver who can take pressure off the Ohio State product.

The Jets didn't have a receiver other than Wilson record more than 311 receiving yards and one touchdown in 2023. Those numbers are unacceptable, especially with quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning in 2024.

Allen Lazard looks like a bad free-agent signing after one year while Xavier Gibson and Jason Brownlee are good, young depth pieces. Heading into the draft, New York will need to look at adding some playmakers to the wide receiver room.

3. Guard

See a trend? Protect the quarterback and keep him upright. Guard Laken Tomlinson was brought into town in March 2022 to be an anchor on the left side but has been extremely inconsistent. Alijah Vera-Tucker has the ability to play either guard or tackle but suffered back-to-back season-ending injuries.

Bringing in another interior lineman provides New York with the flexibility to deal with the eventual injuries that pile up. It's also tough for the quarterback to navigate the pocket with pressure directly in his face.

There are plenty of teams around the league that find a solid guard in the middle rounds that comes in immediately and contributes. New York needs to follow a similar path.

4. Quarterback

The Jets will likely sign a veteran quarterback to backup Aaron Rodgers in 2024 but that shouldn't stop them from taking a developmental signal-caller in the later rounds.

Rodgers is locked into the 2024 season but he's 40 years old. New York still needs to find its quarterback of the future and let him develop behind a four-time MVP quarterback in Rodgers.

5. Safety

If there is any weakness on the Jets' defense it would be at safety. Jordan Whitehead may be returning next year but things can change over the next few months. Chuck Clark and Ashtyn Davis are scheduled to be free agents in March so that leaves Tony Adams as the only safety locked into the roster for next year.

New York could use a ball-hawking safety over the top or someone who is a consistent tackler at that position. Adding more talent to an already electric group is how specific units sustain success.

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