When the New York Jets hired head coach Aaron Glenn, they did so with the intent of embodying the Detroit Lions culture. While not meant to be a direct copy, the relentless physicality of Lions football is expected to manifest itself in East Rutherford.
However, Glenn's work won't be done until his partner, general manager Darren Mougey, adds the talent to carry out their vision.
As New York works to overturn the roster, amplifying its stars while replenishing the lower levels of the roster will facilitate that development, and the administration's first major opportunity will come in April.
The Jets double-down on the trenches in the following three-round mock draft, made using Pro Football and Sports Network's mock draft simulator.
Round 1, Pick 7: Missouri Offensive Tackle Armand Membou
In 2024, New York cemented its future at left tackle by taking Olu Fashanu in Round 1. His rookie year performance only added to the optimism surrounding his upside, but the departures of Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses have left the offensive line incomplete.
Membou, a career right tackle, can comfortably slide in as a Day 1 starter. He boasts elite athleticism, tenacity in the run game, and pass protection that – in 2024 – was just as good as any lineman in this class.
There shouldn't be a shortage of notable names available at No. 7, including offensive linemen. But Membou won't have to move positions, doesn't have concerns about his measurables, and has similar upside to the top-10 picks surrounding him.
Round 2, Pick 42: Mississippi Defensive Tackle Walter Nolen
Nolen's pre-draft process has dampened his stock. Without real testing numbers, it's easy to fall out of love with his game, and reported off-field concerns (which should largely be taken with a grain of salt) could play into the Jets being out on him.
However, he fits a position of need next to Quinnen Williams and would benefit from the requisite talent already on the defensive line. Nolen is more proven as a run defender, and can make an impact immediately while doing so, but has intriguing flashes of pass-rushing prowess, too.
If he can grow into that potency over time and stabilize an ugly run defense, New York might be on its own infrastructure ironing out the flaws others have identified in his profile.
Related: Justin Fields' Jets Have 1 Urgent Need In NFL Draft
Round 3, Pick 73: Texas Safety Andrew Mukuba
The Jets added to their safety room by signing Andre Cisco early in free agency, but the unit is worryingly thin behind him and Tony Adams.
Investing in the secondary with a versatile, athletic safety with a history of ball production makes a good amount of success. In an exciting Texas secondary, Mukuba moved around the formation and remained productive wherever he lined up.
His size (5-11, 186 pounds) might render him less effective against the run, but he can thrive in a half-field role with the occasional trip to a single-high and slot-corner looks.
Related: Should There Be Panic Over Jets QB Situation?
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This story was originally published March 30, 2025 at 4:25 PM.