Weapon vs. Protection: What Will New York Jets Target in Draft?

The New York Jets will be forced to choose whether they want to add a weapon or more protection for Aaron Rodgers in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (19) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a / Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

With the NFL Draft just two weeks away, the big question now becomes what the New York Jets will do with the No. 10 pick. 

If you were to ask that question a few months ago, the answer would have been straightforward. While adding more playmakers was in the conversation, it would’ve been hard to ignore the glaring need upfront along the offensive line. With Aaron Rodgers returning from his season-ending Achilles tear and being fresh off a season where New York surrendered 64 sacks, tied for fourth-most in the league, it would’ve made sense to draft a tackle. 

However, the Jets' dynamic moves in free agency, including the acquisition of multi-time All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith and a trade for Morgan Moses, have seemingly addressed their needs at tackle, altering the team's draft outlook. 

Yet, even with the additions upfront ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper still sees the Jets taking either a playmaker, in this case Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, or beefing up their offensive line.

“I could take either one — Bowers or the lineman,” Kiper said in a recent conference call with reporters about what the Jets should do.

“If I’m going to take the lineman, I’m going to trade off of 10. If I’m taking Bowers, I’ll take him at 10. If I really want Bowers, you take him there. If you want a lineman, I think you can move off of 10. The key there is getting a second-round pick back,” Kiper continued. “Right now, the Jets don’t have one. They could move down and get that second-round pick back and still get a really good offensive lineman as the sixth man. That would be the thought process for me.”

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (TE04) talks to the media during / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Considering the 33-year-old Smith's injury history, it makes sense why the Jets could take an offensive tackle. However, with the need for an additional playmaker to join Garrett Wilson and the newly signed Mike Williams, it could be argued that it’d make more sense for a team in “win-now” mode like the Jets to get a potential Day 1 starter. 

Bowers, the now-former Bulldog, would be that. The former Napa Valley, California native is being billed as one of the greatest tight-end prospects of all time, and considering his career at Georgia, he has a strong resume to back up those claims. 

The two-time Mackey Award winner, which is annually awarded to the best tight end in college football, finished his three-year career with 2,538 yards and 26 touchdowns on 175 receptions. He also totaled 193 yards and three scores as a rare rusher.

At 6-foot-3 and 243 pounds, Bowers isn’t the traditional in-line tight end. Rather, he can be described as a modern H-back, similar to George Kittle and Travis Kelce, in the sense that he’d give the Jets flexibility in where he can be used. While at Georgia, Bowers lined up wide or in the slot like a traditional receiver, to being in-line or sometimes in the backfield. 

Bowers would certainly give the Jets another weapon they may desire, but it seems the decision will come down to what they prioritize most.