The New York Jets have officially been eliminated from playoff contention with four games remaining in the 2024 season. With their postseason hopes dashed, many fans and analysts have already shifted focus to the 2025 NFL Draft.
On Wednesday, December 11, ESPN’s Field Yates released a full first-round mock draft. He projected the Jets to select Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham.
“The Jets’ draft-day direction will be an interesting storyline to follow. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ future is uncertain, but enough young core players are in place that a new GM and coach might not view this as a rebuild, but instead a team that can make strides in a hurry,” Yates explained. “Defensive tackle figures to be an issue, and Graham is a hand-in-glove fit for any defense given his versatility and explosive skill set. He is powerful, dynamic getting off the ball, instinctive, and relentless. Graham and Quinnen Williams would form quite a duo.”
Uncertainty Clouds the Jets’ Draft Strategy
There are many questions surrounding the Jets, making it challenging to predict their draft strategy this far in advance. Who will be the next head coach? What about the general manager? What offensive and defensive schemes will the team run?
These unknowns complicate forecasting, but the Jets’ approach could boil down to two potential strategies:
1. Win-Now Approach: If the incoming regime believes this talented roster can turn things around quickly, a pick like Mason Graham makes sense. He would provide an immediate impact and help solidify the defensive line.
2. Rebuild for the Future: Conversely, the new leadership might take a different path, opting to rebuild after the team’s failed all-in strategy over the past two seasons. This could involve selecting a young quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft to anchor a long-term plan.
Either way, Graham fits the mold of a player who could help elevate the Jets quickly, especially alongside Quinnen Williams.
Mason Graham’s Impressive Resume
The 21-year-old Graham has played in 39 college games, accumulating nine sacks and 18 tackles for loss during his tenure.
“[Graham] Was my no. 1 player during our summer scouting series. You will consistently see him near the top of mock drafts after the 2 QBs and Travis Hunter are taken. Complete IDL prospect,” NBC analyst Connor Rogers remarked on social media.
Graham officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Tuesday, December 10, choosing to forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility.
Reacting to the news, Yates described Graham as a “zero-weakness player,” adding, “He does everything well. Explosive, powerful, tenacious, a disruptive pass rusher who was pushing experienced college OL around as an 18-year-old true freshman. A truly dominant player.”
With the draft still months away, Graham’s name is already generating buzz as a top prospect, and his selection could signal a pivotal move for the Jets’ future.
