ESPN Mock Draft: New York Jets Pass Up Offensive Playmaker at No. 10

If you're a New York Jets' fan hoping the team adds an offensive weapon early during next week's NFL Draft, then ESPN's latest simulation is not for you.

Draft insiders Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates executed a three-round mock while alternating picks. Yates made the Jets' choices at No. 10 and No. 72 overall.

With Washington receiver Rome Odunze going to the Chicago Bears one selection prior to the Jets hitting the clock, Yates predicts New York will take Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu. In this scenario, the Jets pass on Georgia tight end Brock Bowers while making Fautanu the second offensive lineman chosen. Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt went to the Tennessee Titans at No. 7 overall while Bowers landed with the Denver Broncos two picks after the Jets made their selection.

"I thought about Georgia tight end Brock Bowers here after the Jets added Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses in free agency, but I wound up landing on Fautanu because of his versatility to potentially play four different spots along the offensive line," said Yates in an explanation of the pick.

The 23-year-old Fautanu's draft stock has been rising since the NFL Combine, where he impressed in the 40-yard dash. His 40 time (5.01) was faster than marks registered by top tackle prospects Joe Alt, Taliese Fuaga and Olu Fashanu. He has jumped up to the No. 3 slot amongst offensive tackles in the latest Pro Football Focus rankings, which place Fautanu at No. 13 on the overall big board.

Without a second-round pick due to last year's trade for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Jets waited until Round 3 to draft again and Yates paired them with a defensive back. At No. 72 overall, New York selected Washington State safety Jaden Hicks.

"The Jets have a sneaky need at safety, and few defensive prospects have the versatility of Hicks. He played 323 snaps at safety, 79 at corner, 154 at inside linebacker and 191 at outside linebacker last season," said Yates.

Hicks totaled 155 tackles over a 25-game sample that spanned the past two seasons. He accounted for 6.0 tackles-for-loss and six passes defended in 2023. Hicks could potentially replace starter Jordan Whitehead, who left in free agency, or simply provide needed depth in New York's safeties room.