The New York Jets are hoping they have better luck when it comes to injuries in 2024 than they did in 2023. Numerous key players were sidelined throughout the season, none more important than quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Jets had high hopes that Rodgers would be able to turn their fortunes around. New York had a dominant defense and some star skill position players, but no quarterback to bring it all together. Even after acquiring Rodgers, that remained the case.
Four plays into his tenure, Rodgers suffered what ended up being a season-ending Achilles injury. The Jets’ season went off the rails after that as Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle and Trevor Seimian failed to keep the team afloat.
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Michael Penix Jr., 2024 NFL Draft, New York Jets Updates
New York had the worst offense in the NFL and set records for their ineptitude. Rodgers likely wouldn’t have fixed all of those issues on his own, but the team would have certainly performed at a higher level.
Heading into the 2024 NFL offseason, the Jets need to do everything in their power to avoid a repeat of 2022 and 2023. In both seasons, the inept offense kept the team from reaching heights they believed to be possible. They need to be better prepared behind Rodgers, which means upgrading the quarterback depth chart.
Could that answer come in the 2024 NFL Draft? It would be smart for the Jets to draft a high-upside player, knowing they can develop behind Rodgers for at least one season. One name to keep an eye on is Michael Penix Jr., who impressed Jets’ defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich at the Senior Bowl last week.
“To see him get better every single day of practice, yeah, he’s a special talent, he really is,” Ulbrich said. “He’s a guy that I don’t want to have to play against. I think he has a bright future in this league.” (H/T The Cold Wire)
The only way for Ulbrich and the Jets to not play against Penix is by drafting him. While New York is all-in on Rodgers for 2024, it certainly isn’t outside the realm of possibilities that they would select a quarterback in the draft.
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Michael Penix Jr., 2024 NFL Draft, New York Jets Updates
Penix has some upside with a huge arm, capable of making all of the throws needed on the field. There would be some challenges with him being left-handed, but challenges are worth overcoming if a player can help your team win games.
The Jets’ focus early in the draft should be on revamping their offensive line to keep Rodgers upright. After that, addressing their need for a long-term answer at quarterback would be a good idea and Penix could fit the bill.
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