As fans of the New York Jets look hopefully toward the upcoming season, the franchise had the opportunity to strengthen its roster during the 2024 NFL Draft. Held April 25-27, the draft saw the Jets select seven players. Here’s a look at these new additions and whether they can help Gang Green find success in 2024.
1. Olumuyiwa Fashanu (Round 1, No. 11)
Improving the offensive line has been a major focus after a sack on New York’s fourth offensive play of 2023 ended quarterback Aaron Rodgers' season. Heading into the draft, the Jets front office added veteran lineman Morgan Moses, John Simpson, and Tyron Smith.
In Fashanu, Gang Green is hoping it has found the left tackle of its future. The Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year allowed only one sack over two seasons at Penn State. Some believed the Jets might instead take a different offensive linemen with this pick, but general manager Joe Douglas appreciated that, unlike possible selections Troy Fautanu and Taliese Fuago, Fashanu is a natural left tackle.
While Smith is likely a Hall of Famer and is expected to be the starter this season, he's also 33 years old and has been injury-prone over much of his career. Fashanu will probably have an opportunity to fill in. Even if he doesn’t get on the field much, the Penn State product will be learning from a pass protector in Smith, who's one of the best of his generation.
2. Malachi Corley (Round 3, No. 65)
After acquiring Smith and Fashanu to protect the right-handed Rodgers’ blind side, the front office looked to give the quarterback another weapon. It believes it’s found one in Malachi Corley.
Over four seasons at Western Kentucky, the "YAC King" recorded more yards after catch (YAC) than any receiver in the FBS, college football’s highest division. A former running back, Corley isn't particularly fast, but he runs with an aggressiveness that impressed New York's front office, to the point that the Jets traded up seven picks to get him. Rodgers also approved of the pick, telling head coach Robert Saleh that he's excited to have Corley as a target.
In addition to his YAC, Corley showed at Western Kentucky that he was adept at reaching the end zone. His collegiate career saw him score 29 touchdowns, tied for second in the FBS. The Jets' wide receiving corps struggled both with YAC and touchdowns last year, and while some observers are skeptical that Corley’s skills will translate to the professional level, the franchise is hoping the slot receiver will give the offense a boost.
3. Braelon Allen (Round 4, No. 134)
This 235-pound running back rushed for 3,494 yards to go along 35 touchdowns over three years at Wisconsin. He was among the best RBs in the country over this time, and the Jets plan to use him to back up starter Breece Hall.
Whereas fellow backup running back Israel Abanikanda brings speed, Allen brings power: he’s built like an ox and racked up 409 second-half YAC at Wisconsin. Expect New York to use him to punish tired defenses late in games, as well as to provide additional pass protection for Rodgers.
4. Jordan Travis (Round 5, No. 171)
After trading away 2023 draft pick Zach Wilson prior to the draft, the Jets were left with two aging quarterbacks on their roster—the 40-year-old Rodgers and 35-year-old Tyrod Taylor. It's no surprise, then, that the front office went looking for the QB of the future.
Over five years at Florida State, Jordan Travis developed into an effective passer, recording 46 big-time throws in his final two seasons and recording 20 touchdowns against only two interceptions last year. Questions remain, however, about his arm strength, and about whether he can regain his much-lauded mobility after a devastating ankle injury ended his 2023 season.
5. Isaiah Davis (Round 5, No. 173)
Selecting another running back means that New York likely wasn't satisfied with Israel Abanikanda last season. Isaiah Davis isn't as fast or explosive as Abanikanda, but he forced 151 missed tackles over his final two years at South Dakota State, and he has better ability as a pass blocker. Even if he can't get into the game at running back, expect the Jets to use him on special teams.
6. Qwan'tez Stiggers (Round 5, No. 176)
With their third pick in the fifth round, the Jets reached across the border to select this Canadian Football League (CFL) standout. Over one season in the CFL, the Toronto Argonauts cornerback logged an 85 percent coverage grade and snagged five interceptions, good enough for him to be named his team's defensive rookie of the year. He’s extremely raw, but New York believes he has promise.
7. Jaylen Key (Round 7, No. 257)
Gang Green had the final pick of the draft, and the front office used it to select this Alabama safety. Jaylen Key didn't rack up gaudy stats as a starter for the Crimson Tide, but he has good size and was known for his impressive physicality at the position. He may get some time at safety but is more likely to be a special teams player.
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