One draft prospect is an obvious fit for the Jets' new-look offense

The New York Jets will enter the 2025 NFL Draft with various holes to fill on both sides of the football. After signing Justin Fields to kick off free agency, New York must build around the quarterback and the offense for 2025.

The signing of Fields signals a new identity for the Jets offense heading into next season. Coming off a season where the Jets ranked 31st in rushing offense and 32nd in rushing attempts, 2025 should bring the run game back to life.

When looking at the offensive side of the football for the Jets the lack of wide receivers and tight ends sticks out right away. With minimal free agency moves at both positions, the draft will be crucial.

One prospect New York should target is tight end Jackson Hawes who would fit the Jets' new identity on offense perfectly at a position of need.

NY Jets should target Jackson Hawes in the 2025 NFL Draft

After seeing playing time in three years at Yale, Jackson Hawes transferred to Georgia Tech for the 2024 season. While Hawes isn't much of a threat as a receiver, tallying just 16 receptions for 195 yards last season, his run-blocking ability is off the charts.

Hawes lined up on the line in 65% of his snaps last year and finished with a 74.7 Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade, which ranks fifth among eligible tight ends in this draft. The Yale-turned Georgia Tech product also registered a 71.1 Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade on gap runs in 2024.

Hawes' running blocking presence is also shown through the teams' rushing success during his time with Yale and George Tech. In two of his seasons at Yale, they ranked inside the top-3 in the Ivy League in rushing offense, finishing first in 2022 and third in 2023.

During this past season, Georgia Tech finished second in the ACC in rushing offense, averaging 187 yards per game.

Coming off a season where the Jets finished 31st in the NFL in rushing averaging just 91.8 yards per game, Hawes would be a welcome addition. Expect the Jets under Tanner Engstrand and with Justin Fields at quarterback to run a similar style offense to the Baltimore Ravens.

A run-heavy offense with a dual-threat quarterback and a do-it-all running back in Breece Hall, New York will need space created upfront to have success in 2025.

Right now, Hawes is projected as a Day 3 pick, likely somewhere around the fifth round. The Jets currently hold five Day 3 selections, including two in that round. Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn should have their eyes on this physical, run-blocking tight end.

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