2024 NFL Mock Draft: NY Jets get lucky with star OL prospect in best-case scenario

NY Jets general manager Joe Douglas will enter his fifth offseason with the organization in 2024, and he'll be looking to set the organization up for success in both the immediate future and beyond.

Of course, that's the plan of attack for every GM, but the "immediate future" part is especially important for Douglas and the entire Jets regime. The Jets need to legitimately compete for a Super Bowl next season — everyone's jobs depend on it.

The process of contending starts in free agency, and it will continue in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Jets will be searching not only for future building blocks but also for players who can contribute immediately.

That's especially crucial given the lack of immediate impact the Jets received from their 2023 draft class. With the help of Pro Football Network's mock simulator, here is a look at our latest crack at a seven-round Jets mock draft. This one turned out very well for the Jets.

Round 1, 10th Overall, NY Jets: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

This is the absolute best-case scenario for the Jets. In this mock projection, three quarterbacks, three wide receivers, one edge rusher, Olu Fashanu, and Brock Bowers went in the first nine picks. That left arguably the best offensive tackle in this class, Joe Alt, available for the Jets at pick No. 10.

Alt is seen as a consensus top-two offensive tackle in this year's draft class alongside the aforementioned Fashanu. At 6-foot-8, 322 pounds, Alt blends outstanding size with impressive athleticism and an NFL-ready skill set.

Alt has started the last three seasons at left tackle for Notre Dame, earning first-team All-American honors in 2022 and Unanimous All-American honors in 2023. He should be a top target for the Jets in April.

The Jets are in desperate need of offensive line building blocks, and Alt gives the team a day-one starting left tackle with legitimate All-Pro upside. This is a home-run pick at this spot in the first round.

Round 3, 72nd Overall, NY Jets: Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington

The Jets don't pick again until the 72nd overall pick in the third round, and after addressing the offensive line on Day 1, wide receiver was the next most obvious need for the team. That's why Jalen McMillan is the pick here.

McMillan was often overshadowed during his time at Washington, especially in 2023 when he played third fiddled to Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk in a loaded Huskies receiving corps. A knee injury suffered in Week 3 derailed what could've been a monster season for the California native.

McMillan is exactly what the Jets should be targeting at this stage of the draft. He's an extremely high-floor prospect who possesses excellent route-running ability, sure hands, and electric vertical speed.

He may not project as a superstar wide receiver at the next level, but he's a polished receiver who can contribute immediately and should have a long NFL career. The Jets need stability in their receiver room, and McMillan provides them with that.

Round 4, 107th Overall, NY Jets: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

This is a best-player-available pick. Byron Murphy II is almost unanimously seen as a Day 2 prospect, with many outlets projecting him as a top-50 player in this class. It was impossible to pass on him here in Round 4.

Murphy has drawn comparisons to Atlanta Falcons star Grady Jarrett due to his explosive athleticism and high ceiling as a pass rusher. Primarily a 3-tech at Texas, Murphy was one of the most disruptive interior defensive linemen in the nation, and there's every reason to believe he's only getting better.

Murphy's athleticism and pass-rush prowess make him a perfect fit in Robert Saleh's attacking 4-3. I don't think it's a stretch to say he has genuine Pro Bowl upside, which is why it was surprising to see him still on the board at this spot.

The Jets only have one defensive tackle, Quinnen Williams, under contract in 2024. While veterans like Quinton Jefferson and Solomon Thomas are fine role players, Murphy has the potential to be another difference-maker on this Jets defensive line. The value here is exceptional.

Round 4, 109th Overall, NY Jets: Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State

Will the Jets draft a quarterback in April? That will be one of the most contentious questions in the weeks/months leading up to the draft. If they do go that route, someone like Florida State's Jordan Travis makes a ton of sense.

Travis was one of the most electric players in the country last season at Florida State and looked to be on the verge of leading his school to a College Football Playoff berth. That was before he suffered a serious leg injury that ultimately ended his college career.

When healthy, Travis was one of the most dynamic playmakers in the sport. He was a legitimate Heisman candidate, and while he might not possess the same high-level physical traits that some of the top quarterbacks in this class do, he's an elite creator and smart decision-maker with excellent athleticism.

The red flags (he's already 24 years old and might miss most of the 2024 season) will keep him out of the Day 1-2 range, but he's a high-upside developmental quarterback who can sit and learn behind Aaron Rodgers as QB3 while he redshirts in 2024.

Round 6, 169th Overall, NY Jets: Isaiah Davis, RB, South Dakota State

Running back is a sneaky need for the Jets entering the offseason, and it's never a bad idea to search for a gem at the position on Day 3. One player who fits the exact mold of running back the Jets should be looking for is Isaiah Davis.

Davis is built like a modern-day NFL running back. At 6-foot, 220 pounds, Davis is a powerful early-down runner who lacks receiving upside but possesses elite contact balance and passable athleticism.

The Jets drafted Israel Abanikanda in the fifth round of last year's draft, but his skill set doesn't really complement Breece Hall. The Jets need a viable short-yardage back, and Davis would give them just that.

The South Dakota State product has an NFL-ready frame and skill set, meaning he should be able to contribute right away on offense. The Jets need to add a running back this offseason, and Davis is a cheap alternative with the ideal archetype they need in their backfield.