The New York Jets had an eventful 2024 NFL Draft, making several trades and acquiring a diverse group of players. General manager Joe Douglas made four trades, trading down once in the first round and three times in the fourth round, while also trading up in the second round. The Jets’ draft class has received mixed reviews, with some picks receiving high grades and others seen as repetitive or reach.
In the first round, with the 11th overall pick, the Jets selected Olu Fashanu, an offensive tackle from Penn State. The Jets prioritized protection for their star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and Fashanu is a promising choice. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 312 pounds, Fashanu allowed only one sack in 29 career college games. While he may not start right away, he is a long-term answer for the Jets’ offensive line.
In the third round, the Jets picked Malachi Corley, a wide receiver from Western Kentucky. Known as the “YAC King,” Corley is excellent at turning short catches into big gains. He holds the school record for receptions and has scored 22 touchdowns over the past two seasons. The Jets were determined to acquire him and even tried to trade back into the second round to secure him. Corley’s average depth of target raises questions about his ability to run the full route tree, but with Rodgers’ guidance, he could become a valuable asset to the team.
The fourth round saw the Jets select Braelon Allen, a running back from Wisconsin. With a long gap of 68 picks between their third and fourth-round selections, Allen adds power to the Jets’ running game. While Breece Hall is the primary three-down back, Allen’s size and ability to absorb big hits make him a valuable asset on short-yardage situations. He rushed for over 3,000 yards and 35 touchdowns in his college career.
In the fifth round, the Jets made two picks. They selected Jordan Travis, a quarterback from Florida State, and Isaiah Davis, a running back from South Dakota State. Travis suffered a broken leg in November, but this gives him time to recover and learn from Rodgers and veteran backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Travis has shown promise with 44 touchdowns and seven interceptions in his final two seasons. Davis, on the other hand, seems like a repetitive pick as the Jets have a history of drafting running backs. He rushed for over 4,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in college but lacks pass-catching abilities on third downs.
Qwan’tez Stiggers, a cornerback from the CFL, was selected in the fifth round. Stiggers did not play college football but impressed in the Canadian Football League and Fan Controlled Football league. His special-teams tackling skills make him a valuable addition to the team. In the seventh round, the Jets chose Jaylen Key, a safety from Alabama. Key’s development accelerated in his final years at Alabama, and he brings physicality to both defense and special teams.
Overall, the Jets’ draft class received a grade of B+. The draft was a rollercoaster with multiple trades and varied picks. While some selections were praised for their potential impact, others were seen as repetitive or reach picks. It remains to be seen how these players will perform on the field, but with the guidance of veterans like Rodgers and Taylor, the Jets have set themselves up for success in the future.
