As the 2025 NFL Draft nears, the New York Jets must make crucial roster decisions, addressing key positions even after a busy free agency period.
Although the Jets signed Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract with $30 million guaranteed, new general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn may still consider drafting a quarterback with the No. 7 overall pick. After parting ways with future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers following a disappointing 5-12 season, the Jets structured Fields’ contract to allow flexibility if he underperforms in 2025.
The team addressed secondary needs by signing cornerback Brandon Stephens to a three-year, $36 million deal and safety Andre Cisco to a one-year, $10 million contract. However, concerns persist along both the offensive and defensive lines, leaving multiple options for the Jets in the first round.
Despite these pressing needs, a team insider suggests the Jets are focused on selecting one of college football’s most electrifying offensive playmakers from the 2024 season.
Insider: New York Jets will draft All-American tight end
The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt predicts the Jets will select Penn State tight end Tyler Warren with the seventh overall pick in next month’s draft.
“The Jets are in dire need of an upgrade at tight end, especially with Justin Fields now at quarterback in what is expected to be a run-heavy system,” Rosenblatt wrote. “They signed Stone Smartt in free agency, but he’s more of a big-slot receiver than a true two-way tight end. Warren could provide both a reliable safety valve for Fields and a strong blocking presence. While he may not be on Brock Bowers’ level as a prospect, he is arguably the most NFL-ready option for the Jets at No. 7.”
Warren was college football’s top tight end last season, earning All-American honors and winning the John Mackey Award. He led the Big Ten with 104 receptions, totaling 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns while finishing seventh in Heisman Trophy voting. Though he attended the NFL Scouting Combine for interviews, he chose not to participate in on-field drills.
This potential pick brings back memories for Jets fans, who recall the franchise selecting Penn State tight end Kyle Brady ninth overall in 1995 instead of future Hall of Famer Warren Sapp. That decision still lingers, fueling concerns about history repeating itself with another first-round tight end from Penn State.
