The New York Jets are starting over. The first-year tandem of head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey are being allowed to reset the roster and culture. Firstly, they'll be moving on from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The 2025 NFL Draft represents this regime's best opportunity to start moving the franchise in the right direction. Mougey and Glenn own the No. 7 overall selection and eight picks in total. We've conducted a seven-round mock draft that jumpstarts the Jets’ rebuild.
Round 1 (No. 7 overall): Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
Glenn and Mougey come from franchises that believe in investing in the trenches. The Haason Reddick nightmare is over, as he's set for free agency. Jermaine Johnson II is also recovering from a serious season-ending injury. Glenn will believe in his ability to develop Shemar Stewart, an elite mover at 280 pounds with limited production. Stewart possesses the athleticism and versatility required to play multiple positions on the defensive line.
Round 2 (No. 42 overall): Nick Emmanwori, SAF, South Carolina
The Jets have four safeties scheduled to hit free agency, including Tony Adams and Isaiah Oliver, who both played more than 50% of defensive snaps in 2024. Nick Emmanwori is arguably the top overall safety in this draft class. Emmanwori possesses the instincts and ball skills required to develop into an elite ballhawk at the next level.
Round 3 (No. 92 overall): Pat Bryant II, WR, Illinois
You have to assume Davante Adams is following Rodgers out the exit door. Garrett Wilson remains an elite receiver, but the offense will need a big-bodied replacement for Adams on the boundary. Pat Bryant II is a starting-caliber receiver on the outside. Bryant II was excellent at the Senior Bowl, showcasing his ability to highpoint the football.
Round 4 (No. 109 overall): Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
D.J. Reed and Brandin Echols are slated for free agency. Their potential departures would leave little in the corner room besides Sauce Gardner. Quincy Riley, however, would add much-needed depth and competition. Riley is physical and possesses a high-level understanding of angles and leverage in coverage.
Round 5 (No. 146 overall): Jalen Travis, OL, Iowa State
Olu Fashanu should replace pending free agent Tyron Smith as the starting left tackle. Starting right tackle Morgan Moses is also on an expiring contract, and the Jets will need more than Carter Warren and Max Mitchell to compete there. Jalen Travis has elite size and mass, and looked like a potential day-one starter at the Senior Bowl.
Round 5 (No. 157 overall): Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech
Interior defensive line depth is a need with Javon Kinlaw and Solomon Thomas possibly playing elsewhere next season. Aeneas Peebles is undersized, but he's an absolute wrecking ball. Peebles uses violence and tenacity to be an incredibly disruptive player. Glenn would appreciate his red-hot motor.
Round 6 (No. 188 overall): Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame
Tight end Mitchell Evans is experienced and versatile. Evans possesses terrific size for the position, and he displays high football IQ versus zone coverage. The aging Tyler Conklin is on an expiring contract, so expect Mougey to draft a tight end at some point.
Round 6 (No. 209 overall): Chandler Martin, LB, Memphis
Mougey should re-sign Jamien Sherwood, who acclimated nicely from safety to linebacker. The Jets will probably draft a linebacker late regardless because they have a few players on expiring deals (Chazz Surratt, Jamin Davis). Memphis' Chandler Martin is an underrated off-ball prospect with speed and instincts.
