Calling an Audible: Jets Now Targeting Tight End in Draft to Add Another Offensive Weapon?

Despite several depth needs, the New York Jets' latest free agent signing has allowed them to be flexible in April's NFL Draft.
Calling an Audible: Jets Now Targeting Tight End in Draft to Add Another Offensive Weapon?
Calling an Audible: Jets Now Targeting Tight End in Draft to Add Another Offensive Weapon? /
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The signing of deep-threat wide receiver Mike Williams could turn the NFL Draft on its head for the New York Jets

New York owns seven draft picks in April with the 10th overall pick being the biggest piece to their puzzle. There are many things the Jets can do with a top-10 overall pick, and that's what makes their free agency plan so interesting. 

Jets - Brock Bowers

With the free agent acquisitions of Tyron Smith, Williams, John Simpson, and the trade for Morgan Moses, New York has solved most of their offensive weaknesses. They won't need to spend major draft capital at any one position due to their no longer being a major need. 

That should open up them to either taking the best player available in the draft or trading back for more potential high draft picks in one of the most loaded rookie classes in recent memory. 

If New York were to go BPA, one player that analysts and fans have repeatedly shut down could now be in striking distance. 

No one denies the talent Georgia's Brock Bowers has or the production he put forth in college. His play as a tight end transcended that of a normal player at his position and leads many to believe he could get into the top 10, but is certainly a high first-round talent. 

The Jets could still target a top offensive lineman like Olu Fashanu or Taliese Fuaga with their selection. Smith and Moses are both on one-year deals and will most likely be out the door at this time next season. They could also trade back to acquire a second-round pick and take tackle Troy Fautanu out of Washington. 

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Either one of those moves would set New York up nicely in the long term. Drafting Bowers would do the same, but it would provide an immediate impact on a roster now full of offensive talent. 

Over a week ago the idea of Bowers or a receiver taken at 10 didn't make much sense. 

Now that Mike Williams, Smith, and others are in tow, that mindset might certainly be changing. 



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Nick Faria
NICK FARIA

Nick covers the NFL for Sports Illustrated/FN. He was previously on the New York Jets' beat for AM New York with prior experience reporting on the New York Islanders and the Philadelphia Eagles. The New York City resident is also an Adjunct Professor at LIU Brooklyn.