NY Jets go all-in for Travis Hunter in shocking 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft

The New York Jets have understandably put together a quiet first offseason with new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey to this point. The organization is headed for a mini-reset, as the new regime attempts to right the many wrongs of its predecessor.

The Jets' free-agency approach saw the team sign just two players to multi-year contracts, with the vast majority of additions coming in the form of guys who will be fighting for a roster spot this summer.

The franchise has steered clear of big swings this offseason, but that doesn't mean one isn't on the horizon. The 2025 NFL Draft presents a golden opportunity for the Jets to get aggressive for one of the top prospects in this year's class.

What if the Jets traded up to land Colorado superstar Travis Hunter? That's exactly the scenario we explored in our latest seven-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft with help from Pro Football Focus' mock draft simulator.

NY Jets 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Round 1, Pick 3: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

With Cam Ward and Abdul Carter off the board, the New York Giants were willing to entertain trade-down offers. In this scenario, the Jets stepped up, sending their third-round pick at No. 73 overall and a 2026 second-rounder to move up four spots and select Travis Hunter.

The Giants were still able to land Hunter's Colorado teammate, Shedeur Sanders, at No. 7 overall, making this an appealing move for both sides. The Jets give up two valuable picks, but it's worth it to land a prospect of Hunter's caliber.

Hunter is the best player in this draft class. He's an elite two-way talent, unlike anything the modern NFL has seen. Hunter is legitimately the best wide receiver and the best cornerback in this class.

The Jets don't necessarily need the help at cornerback, but Hunter could still contribute on the defensive side of the ball when needed. He would pair with Garrett Wilson to immediately transform the team's receiving corps.

There are roughly 3-4 blue-chip talents in this class, and Hunter is probably the best of the bunch. If the Jets have an opportunity to trade up and land him for a reasonable price, it's a move they absolutely should make, despite their many roster holes. Hunter is just that good.

Round 2, Pick 42: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

One of the Jets' most obvious roster holes entering the draft is at right tackle. If the team isn't able to land a starting-caliber tackle on Day 1, it feels likely that they will address the position the next day.

Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery is someone who is firmly on their radar. The Jets hosted Ersery on a top-30 visit last week, a strong indication that he's high on their list of targets.

A three-year starter at left tackle, Ersery is a powerful mauler in the run game who has made important strides in pass protection. His lack of elite athleticism and agility has many believing a move to right tackle is best for him at the NFL level.

Ersery is one of the few Day 2 targets who could feasibly step in and immediately start for the Jets in 2025. Fans should be thrilled if the Jets manage to come away with Hunter and Ersery in their first two picks.

Round 4, Pick 110: Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon

The Jets signed a host of low-profile defensive tackles in free agency, but none of Derrick Nnadi, Byron Cowart, or Jay Tufele move the needle much. The team still needs to bolster its interior defensive line alongside Quinnen Williams.

What better way to do that than by adding a 6-foot-1, 340-pound monster of a nose tackle here early on Day 3? Jamaree Caldwell helped form one of the best defensive tackle duos in college football alongside Derrick Harmon at Oregon.

Caldwell was the classic 1-tech/nose tackle complement to Harmon, filling running lanes and eating blocks with his massive frame and surprisingly quick agility. Despite his hulking size, Caldwell can move.

The Jets have been desperately in need of a true run-stuffer in the middle of their defense, and Caldwell can provide excellent value as a potential day-one starter here in Round 4.

Round 5, Pick 145: Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech

From one big dude to another, Georgia Tech's Jackson Hawes is exactly what the Jets should be looking for at the tight end position if they're unable to land someone like Tyler Warren on Day 1.

At 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, Hawes functions as more of an extra blocker than a true tight end. The former Yale standout wasn't utilized much as a receiver in college, but he showcased an outstanding ability to thrive both as a run blocker and a pass blocker.

Hawes may not offer the same receiving upside as many of the tight ends in this loaded class, but few match his ability to excel in the role he plays. He’s a true blocking specialist — something the Jets currently lack — and would fill a critical need in an offense expected to lean heavily on tight ends in the run game.

With no obvious in-line blocker on the roster (no, Jeremy Ruckert doesn't count), Hawes would fill an immediate void and instantly become the team’s best blocking tight end.

Round 5, Pick 162: Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State

Cody Simon is an Aaron Glenn-type player. A New Jersey native, Simon overachieved during his time at Ohio State and developed into one of the most important and impactful leaders on the Buckeyes' defense.

At 6-foot-2, 235 pounds, Simon doesn’t possess elite athleticism and doesn’t fit the mold of the modern-day, sideline-to-sideline linebacker. While serviceable in coverage, he’s best suited as a traditional middle linebacker — one who stands out for his reliable tackling and impressive instincts as a gap-filling run defender.

Simon is a high-character defensive leader who should be able to immediately fill a role on special teams and potentially contribute at the linebacker position. The future of Quincy Williams remains uncertain, and the Jets don't really have a viable third linebacker on the roster.

Simon would be a perfect complement alongside Jamien Sherwood if he develops into a starting-caliber player. This is the type of football player you want on your roster.

Round 6, Pick 186: Caleb Ransaw, SAF, Tulane

The Jets signed Andre Cisco in free agency and re-signed Tony Adams as an RFA, but the team could still look to add to their safety room in the draft. One intriguing Day 3 prospect the Jets could consider is Caleb Ransaw.

Primarily a nickel defender in college, Ransaw's lack of standout coverage ability will likely necessitate a move to safety in the NFL. What he lacks in technical coverage ability, he makes up for in physicality and elite athleticism.

Ransaw ran a blazing 4.33 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and posted a stellar 9.96 Relative Athletic Score (RAS). That 9.96 RAS ranked 11th out of all 2,509 draft-eligible cornerback prospects since 1987. He's nearly a generational athlete for the position.

Ransaw is coming off a down year, but his reliable tackling and incredible athletic traits give him a strong chance to stick as a core special teamer. He also has the potential to develop into somewhat of a traditional box safety — something neither Cisco nor Adams is naturally suited for.

Round 6, Pick 207: Fadil Diggs, EDGE, Syracuse

The Jets should be looking to add further depth to their pass rush corps in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jermaine Johnson is coming off a torn Achilles, Will McDonald struggled mightily in run defense, and the team's depth behind them is uninspiring, to say the least.

One player who could help fill out the room is former Texas A&M and Syracuse standout Fadil Diggs. At 6-foot-5, 261 pounds, Diggs looks the part of an NFL edge rusher, with the versatility to play in multiple positions along the defensive line.

Diggs never fully lived up to his potential in college, but he’s coming off his best—and only—season at Syracuse, where he led the team with 7.5 sacks. There’s enough raw talent and upside to justify taking a flier on him here on Day 3.