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LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier interacting with the media during the NFL Combine.
Better late than never.
In Josh Edwards’ four round mock draft for CBS Sports, he predicted that the New York Jets would select LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier with the No. 128 overall pick in the fourth round.
“Why not take a chance on Garrett Nussmeier at this stage of the draft? Even if he is not the starter, a quality backup is important to whoever is drafted next year,” Edwards wrote.
“Nussmeier is an aggressive competitor who can throw you into or out of games, but his arm talent and command are foundational traits that generally translate well to the NFL. He projects as a high-level backup and spot starter,” Dane Brugler of The Athletic wrote in “The Beast.”
The Jets acquired that extra fourth-round selection from the Detroit Lions after trading down from the No. 44 overall pick to the No. 50 overall pick.
Nussmeier was a “finalist for the Manning Award (nation’s top QB) [in 2024],” NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote. Nussmeier was also named MVP of the ReliaQuest Bowl in 2023.
The Jets Have a Busy Day 3 of the Draft Coming
It was a busy first day for the Jets. They had three first-round draft choices. It was a much quieter day two for the Jets. They had one pick at No. 44. The team traded back to No. 50 to pick up some extra capital on day three. Now it is set to be a much busier day again on day three.
The Jets have five draft choices to use on Saturday, April 25:
- 103 overall (fourth round)
- 128 overall (fourth round)
- 140 overall (fourth round)
- 228 overall (seventh round)
- 242 overall (seventh round)
Jets Tried Trading Back Up
The green and white didn’t have a third-round pick on Friday, April 24. That is due to a previous trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for Haason Reddick.
However, they tried getting back into day two.
Jets general manager Darren Mougey admitted it during his media availability. They made a few calls, but ultimately nothing materialized, and they seemed content on the board heading into day three.
What Are They Looking For?
The Jets tried trading back; we know this. What we don’t know is what they were trying to trade back up for?
The Jets still have a slew of needs at quarterback, center, guard, maybe another wide receiver, off-ball-linebacker, safety, placekicker, and maybe another pass rusher.
They feel pretty done at cornerback after selecting D’Angelo Ponds, considering what else they have. Heading into the draft if felt like the team was pretty well stocked at defensive tackle. The offensive tackle position is in very good shape. Kenyon Sadiq being added at tight end likely completes that room.
Rest of the 4th Round Mock Draft for the Jets
With the No. 103 overall pick in the fourth round, Edwards predicted that the Jets would select Kentucky interior offensive lineman Jalen Farmer.
“The Jets fill the void created by Alijah Vera-Tucker’s departure in free agency,” Edwards wrote.
That feels a little presumptuous. AVT was a former first-round pick. Farmer is a day three selection. Hyperbole aside, the Jets need more competition on the interior of the offensive line.
Farmer could compete with free agent addition Dylan Parham at left guard for the starting job in training camp.
With the No. 140 overall pick in the fourth round, Edwards predicted that the Jets would select TCU linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr.
“The Jets add more competition at the linebacker position,” Edwards wrote.
A generic description, but fairly accurate. One of the Jets’ big additions in free agency was bringing Demario Davis home. He will be the starting middle linebacker. However, everything beyond Davis is totally up for grabs.
Paul Esden Jr. covers the New York Jets for Heavy.com. A New York native, he co-hosts a morning show, “The Manchild Show with Boy Green Digital.” Before joining Heavy in 2021, Esden Jr. covered both national and New York sports for FanSided, Elite Sports NY, and The Score 1260. More about Paul Esden Jr.