Jets should use their early NFL draft picks to support Justin Fields
Aaron Rodgers may not have liked how he was treated by Aaron Glenn in his farewell meeting, but the Jets needed different leaders in their football department and a different style of leadership.
It’s not about winning a popularity contest for the no-nonsense Glenn. It’s about winning games. If Glenn wins doing it his way, then the end justifies the means.
The Jets’ prior regime did not win enough. Most of the things they tried didn’t work, including catering to Rodgers. But one thing that the Jets’ new bosses should follow from the past regime is how to attack the NFL Draft this week.
Build around the quarterback.
The Jets did that in last year’s draft. Their first three picks were offensive tackle, wide receiver, running back — all for Rodgers. They actually picked five consecutive offensive players.
We’re not suggesting that new general manager Darren Mougey and Glenn do that when the three-day draft kicks off Thursday. But the Jets’ first two-to-three picks should be made with Justin Fields in mind.
“We believe in Justin and [that] we can win with Justin,” Mougey said. “He was a priority in free agency and we're glad we got him here.”
The Jets gave Fields a two-year, $40 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. Glenn believes he and the Jets' coaches will bring out the best in Fields. Then this draft, at least the early part of it, should be about making sure Fields has more protection and weapons.
When Fields was asked if he would like the Jets to get him more help in the draft, he replied, “That’s above my pay grade, so I’m going roll with whatever they choose.”
Nice political answer, but every quarterback wants more. Now it’s up to Mougey to get Fields more help, and maybe for new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand and some offensive position coaches to bang on the table when the Jets are on the clock.
Mougey said multiple times during Monday’s pre-draft news conference that he feels “good about the roster.” The Jets have obvious needs, though.
Among them are right tackle, tight end, receiver, defensive tackle and safety. They probably also will draft a quarterback to develop and possibly be Fields’ replacement if it doesn’t work out how Glenn and Mougey hope.
Protecting Fields and giving him more skill players, however, will improve his chances to succeed.
Picking seventh in the first round on Thursday, the Jets’ choice should be either Missouri right tackle Armand Membou or Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, presuming they’re available still.
Membou is a right tackle — a need for the Jets — and would complete the offensive line. He also would give the Jets potential bookend tackles who could play together for a long time. They drafted left tackle Olu Fashanu in the first round last year.
If Membou is gone, Warren would be a great pick after losing Tyler Conklin in free agency. The versatile Warren caught 104 passes for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns last year. He also rushed for four scores and threw a touchdown.
Warren makes too much sense.
In Detroit, where Glenn and Engstrand were previously — the tight end was utilized heavily. Sam LaPorta’s 17 touchdown receptions since 2022 are the fourth most among tight ends in that time. Engstrand spent time as the Lions' tight ends coach and passing game coordinator.
“What we always want to do is get the best player and hopefully that player can fill a need for us,” Glenn said.
If the Jets take Membou, they could grab a tight end with their first Day 2 pick — No. 42 overall. LSU’s Mason Taylor, the son of former Dolphin and Jet Jason Taylor, and Miami’s Elijah Arroyo are options.
The Jets also could draft a receiver on Day 2 at 42 or 73. Several could be available in that range, including Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, both from Iowa State, and Tre Harris of Ole Miss.
“I think you want to go into the draft just adding good football players that are going to help your team win — now and in the future,” Mougey said. “You can't just have this narrow focus right now. You got to look long term.”
Fair, but building around Fields early in this draft should be the Jets’ flight plan.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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