Latest Jets mock draft would make Aaron Rodgers happy

The Jets currently own the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. thinks they will do something the Packers never did when they had Aaron Rodgers.

That is using a first-round pick on a pass-catcher. Kiper Jr. believes New York will select Georgia tight end Brock Bowers in his latest mock draft.

"The reality is it's tough to find an ideal spot for Bowers in the top 10 because of the depth of the quarterback, offensive tackle and wide receiver classes. Each of those positions is valued higher than tight end," Kiper Jr. writes. "Aaron Rodgers is returning, they have a void at the position and they might jump at the opportunity to add a pass-catching tight end with rare run-after-the-catch ability."

Bowers does seem to be a special player after posting 175 catches for 2,538 yards and 26 touchdowns from 2021-23. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound tight end has already drawn comparisons to future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski.

That's some elite company to be in before even playing a snap in the league, but it proves the caliber of player many believe Bowers is going to be.

If the Jets can add Bowers to Rodgers' arsenal, which already includes wide receivers, Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard, it will certainly set up a much-anticipated 2024 season for New York.

Kiper Jr. does admit that the Jets have bigger holes to fill but adds that the team can't pass up the talent of Bowers at pick No. 10 if it isn't in love with the other options available.

"New York has a bigger hole at offensive tackle, but what if it doesn't totally love its options here?" Kiper Jr. added. "I always say — drafting strictly for need will get teams into trouble. So even with Olu Fashanu (Penn State) on the board, I'm going with a Bowers-Jets connection."

The 21-year-old currently ranks as Pro Football Focus' best tight end and the No. 5 overall prospect on its big board. 

However, if Bowers does fall, as many predict he could, the Jets will have the opportunity to make Rodgers a very happy man and may just land the steal of the draft in the process.