After 18 long, infuriating and disappointing weeks, the Jets’ season ended on a high note, with quarterback Aaron Rodgers having his best performance with the organization and making history in the process in a 32-20 victory over the Dolphins.
With question marks surrounding a large majority of this roster, the incoming regime featuring a new head coach and general manager will have to figure out a way to put an end to the longest playoff drought in North American sports (NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL), with it now being 14 seasons since the Jets last made the postseason.
Once owner Woody Johnson finds his next leadership group within the coming weeks, the next steps will be to prepare for free agency and eventually the NFL Draft, which will be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from April 24 to 26.
With the current uncertainty around Rodgers, will Gang Green be in the market for his replacement, a new blindside blocker at left tackle or a defensive lineman to add to a star-studded unit that already features Quinnen Williams and breakout star Will McDonald IV?
Here’s who we have the Jets selecting with the No. 7 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft:
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1st round, No. 7 overall: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Regardless of whether the Jets decide to move on from the 41-year-old Rodgers, it’ll be hard for them to land one of the consensus top draft picks with QB-needy teams (Titans, Browns and Giants) all ahead of them.
Barring a massive haul where the Jets send significant draft capital to trade up to one of the first three or so selections, Gang Green will stay put.
However, this comes down to beefing up the trenches with a decision to make about going offensive or defensive line.
While Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter and Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. are in serious consideration here, the pick is Will Campbell.
Campbell, a three-year starter for LSU, is a two-time team captain and has allowed only four sacks during his time in Baton Rouge. He stands at a massive 6-foot-6, 323 pounds, and played all 2,553 snaps at left tackle in his collegiate career.
The newly turned 21-year-old was first team awarded All-SEC in 2023 and second team All-SEC in his first season at LSU. He’s a two-time captain and was the top-rated high school player in the state of Louisiana.
Adding Campbell to this offensive line unit would enhance a nucleus that already has three first- or second-round picks in Olu Fashanu, Alijah Vera-Tucker and Joe Tippmann and would solidify it as one of the top offensive lines, regardless of who is under center at quarterback in 2025.
