Jets Mock Draft: Surrounding QB Aaron Rodgers with protection and pass catchers

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Ending The Mock Draft With A Sleeper, A Reliable Backup QB, And The Son Of An NFL Legend

Round 6, No. 183 — Jaden Hicks, SAF, Washington State

Jaden Hicks is one of “my guys” in the 2024 NFL Draft, but the mock draft community hasn’t quite caught up yet. That results in a steal for the Jets on Day 3, as Hicks profiles as an eventual starter at safety. He needs some time to develop, but at No. 182 overall, all the risk is baked out at this value.

Round 7, No. 252 — Sam Hartman, QB, Notre Dame

The Jets can try as hard as they want, but the fan base is unconvinced that Zach Wilson is in the long-term plans. Instead, the front office should look at Sam Hartman as the primary backup to Aaron Rodgers in 2024. The former Wake Forest and Notre Dame signal-caller is ancient in NFL Draft years, but his experience and size will allow him to stick in the league as a No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart.

Round 7, No. 253 — Frank Gore Jr., RB, Southern Mississippi

I am a fan of Israel Abanikanda, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Jets to add more reinforcements behind starting running back Breece Hall. Frank Gore Jr. carries his father’s name, and frankly, the two share many similarities in play style.

Now, this is not me saying that Gore Jr. is poised to be a 12-year veteran on Sundays. However, at the end of this mock draft, he presents the best “scratch-off lottery ticket”. He is 5-foot-10, 201 pounds, and possesses a low center of gravity. Gore Jr. won’t win a ton of foot races, but his intensity and ability to move the chains will be welcomed as a change-of-pace back.