Jets Mock Draft: Surrounding QB Aaron Rodgers with protection and pass catchers
By Hunter Haas
The New York Jets opened the season on a high. The front office successfully poached Aaron Rodgers away from the only franchise he’s ever known. In doing so, the Jets not only landed a Hall of Fame quarterback, but they also inherited the Super Bowl expectations that have followed Rodgers his entire career. Today’s mock draft gives New York a chance to make good on this move.
Nothing Has Gone As Planned For The New York Jets Or Aaron Rodgers
The Achilles tear heard around the world. When Rodgers dropped back — only a few plays into his Jets career — the fan base was dealt a painful blow. Rodgers was hurt, and it didn’t take a doctor to know that his Achilles snapped like a rubber band. Through superhuman efforts, the 40-year-old signal-caller tried to defy the inevitable by rushing back to practice at a record pace.
Alas, the Jets were unable to stay afloat in Rodgers’ absence. From Zach Wilson to Tim Boyle, the offense couldn’t get out of its own way. And it’s a shame because the likes of Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall are amongst the best at their respective positions.
Even more problematic than the dismal play behind center, the Jets’ offensive line is a turnstile for opposing defenders. Thanks to injury and lackluster play from those who are healthy, no quarterback would survive behind that unit — except for maybe a four-time NFL MVP. I mean, the Rodgers injury was a freak accident, but who’s to say it wouldn’t have happened later in the year behind this offensive line?
On the flip side, the defense has been as elite as anticipated. Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams receive the most fanfare, but the entire group, from top to bottom, has contributed. The Jets allow just over 20 points per game on the year, good for a fringe top-10 placement around the league. That’s with a less-than-average offense supporting it.
So, with the cupboard far from bare in the way of talent, what can the front office do to give Aaron Rodgers the best shot at staying healthy and competing? In today’s mock draft, a trade down on Day 1, along with some savvy selections later on, is the route Joe Douglas chooses to take.