Jets’ pre-draft concerns hold similar feel to 2024

The New York Jets are in a very similar situation to where they were just last season, preparing for the 2024 draft.

New York has needs at both the tight end and offensive line positions. While their immediate need along the line is on the right side this time around, the Jets have to decide which position to target with the seventh overall pick.

And they might come to the same conclusions as 2024 – even if the rumors surrounding their pick are eerily similar.

Jets’ Pre-Draft Similarities

Back in the 2024 draft, there was doubt that the Jets would be able to get to a point where they could choose between Penn State product Olu Fashanu and Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.

Both players were available when New York chose Fashanu with the 11th overall pick, though.

That same kind of doubt may be creeping in once again, this time with Missouri right tackle Armand Membou. The pure tackle prospect has been seen as a favorite of sorts to land with the Jets.

A week before the draft, though, some top analysts, including FOX’s Geoff Schwartz, have predicted Membou will be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders a pick before the Jets made their decision.

“I will die on this hill. What good is drafting Ashton Jeanty if your offensive line cannot block for him? Unless the Raiders are in love with their right tackle options, it makes too much sense to draft Membou and grab a second-round running back,” said Schwartz.

Jets shouldn’t get too worked up about Membou being taken before they get a chance to draft him at this point. These are the same kind of concerns and questions that the organization dealt with just last year when they made Fashanu the pick at 11.

A team like the Raiders also has plenty of other needs outside of the offensive line, including the mere reality of needing a game changer at the skill position.

While there is certainly a path where Membou could end up being taken before the Jets make their pick, there are also many other paths the team could take to get a top prospect as well.

Even if that path ends up not being at right tackle.