NY Jets learn from their biggest Aaron Rodgers mistake in NFL mock draft

The New York Jets need to provide Justin Fields with everything needed to thrive.
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers | Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers' turbulent tenure with the New York Jets promised much but delivered very little. The veteran quarterback's torn Achilles didn't exactly help, but the team must take on some harsh lessons if they don't want similar failings to occur with Justin Fields under center.

The Jets have faith in Fields, which is all he's ever wanted. They gave him a loftier financial commitment than most anticipated, and general manager Darren Mougey proclaimed supreme confidence in his capabilities. What's important now is ensuring the former first-round pick out of Ohio State has everything needed to thrive.

NY Jets give Justin Fields a much-needed helping hand in 2025 NFL mock draft

A recent mock draft from Sayre Bedinger from NFL Spin Zone provided the perfect blueprint on how the Jets can learn the error of their ways. This all started by picking offensive tackle Armand Membou at No. 7 overall to potentially provide Fields with a bookend edge protection tandem alongside Oli Fashanu.

"The investment in [Justin] Fields would seem to indicate the Jets are serious about building around him as opposed to building beyond him and they need another offensive tackle. Even after drafting Olu Fashanu last year, the Jets lost both Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses in 2025 and need another starter. Armand Membou has been touted as possibly the best overall offensive tackle in this class, and given that he plays on the right side, he could be the ideal first-round fit for the Jets."
Sayre Bedinger

That would be music to Fields' ears. The Jets' offensive line failed to meet even modest expectations last season. Considering how Rodgers' mobility is not what it once was due to age and recent injury history, it didn't take long for complications to arise.

After the Jets secured an offensive tackle, they turned their attention to giving Fields another weapon in the passing game. Mason Taylor was the pick, with the tight end boasting some intriguing physical attributes that could become something more over time.

These are two things Rodgers never had. A stable edge to provide sufficient time in the pocket and a potentially productive tight end capable of moving the chains effectively. If the Jets spend their first two selections in this manner, nobody would be happier than Fields.

However, the stakes were raised in Round No. 3. Bedinger had the Jets taking Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers in the third round. The high school prodigy gives them a developmental insurance policy in case Fields can't meet expectations. If everything goes well, they'll have a young backup and valuable trade piece down the line.

The Jets have options, and fortifying the defense should also become a priority as the draft progresses. However, this is a quarterback-driven league.

If they have a genuine belief that Fields can bring them back to prosperity, enhancing the supporting cast is critical. After that, it's down to the player.

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