NY Jets select college teammates with first 2 picks in 2024 NFL Mock Draft

It is almost draft week, and ESPN has just released its brand-new mock draft simulator. I thought running through a simulation for the NY Jets and seeing how it compares to previous mock drafts would be a good idea.

Round 1, 10th Overall, NY Jets: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

The Jets could go a couple of different ways with their first pick. In my last mock draft simulation, Georgia tight end Brock Bowers was the pick at 10. This time, it’s Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu.

The Jets can’t go wrong with either of these players, as each should be able to contribute this season. Even though it seems like the offensive line is in place after the additions of Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, and John Simpson, the Jets could still use some depth and long-term help.

Fautanu would give him both of those. He was Washington’s left tackle for the past two seasons, but many think he has the versatility to play all five offensive line positions.

This season, Fautanu could push Simpson for the starting left guard spot and then move around when needed if Smith or Moses miss time. In the long term, he would give the Jets a left tackle for the future.

Round 3, 72nd Overall, NY Jets: Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington

Given the strength of this wide receiver class, the Jets might feel okay waiting until pick 72. In this simulation, they land another Washington player, wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk.

Polk would be a good fit in the Jets receiver group. He has good size at 6-foot-2, 204 pounds, and has split time outside and in the slot over his three seasons at Washington.

He is a good athlete, has reliable hands, and would be a great third receiver behind Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams. 

Round 4, 111th Overall, NY Jets: Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane

The Jets will most likely add a quarterback on Day 3 of the draft; it just depends on when. After addressing their two biggest needs, offensive line and receiver depth, they take a swing quarterback with Michael Pratt in the fourth round.

The Jets have already met with Pratt during this pre-draft process, so there is some interest. Pratt has been Tulane’s starting quarterback for the past four seasons and has done well.

Pratt is a smart, accurate passer who knows where to go with the football. He has sufficient arm strength, athleticism, and size for the position. He would be an intriguing option to sit and learn behind Aaron Rodgers and potentially take over in a few seasons.

Round 4, 134th Overall, NY Jets: Jaylin Simpson, S, Auburn

Even after re-signing Ashtyn Davis, the Jets could still use some depth in the secondary. Jaylin Simpson is versatile and could play multiple positions in the back end.

Over the past three seasons at Auburn, he has played safety, slot corner, and outside corner. He also has a lot of special teams experience.

Simpson is a good athlete with long arms and good ball skills. He is undersized — he only weighed 179 pounds at the Combine — but he would offer good secondary depth and special teams ability. 

Round 6, 185th Overall, NY Jets: Myles Cole, DL, Texas Tech

More defensive depth in the later rounds for the Jets; this time, it's on the defensive line with Myles Cole. Robert Saleh loves his defensive lineman, and Cole is a fascinating prospect.

At 6-foot-6, 278 pounds, with 36 7/8-inch arms, Cole ran an impressive 4.67 40-yard dash. Cole is underdeveloped as a player, but his size, length, and athleticism are intriguing.

He has experience on the edge and the interior defensive line and is someone Saleh and Jets defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton could develop. 

Round 7, 256th Overall, NY Jets: Jordan Magee, LB, Temple

The final pick in the mock draft (ESPN’s simulator does not give the Jets pick 257) is Temple linebacker Jordan Magee. Magee is an athletic linebacker who ran a 4.55 40-yard dash at the Combine. He has a good motor and a lot of special teams experience.

He fits the mold of the Jets linebackers and could learn from two of the league’s best, C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams while being a special teams contributor.