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Jets Draft 'No-Brainer' In ESPN Fantasy Do-Over

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Feb 6, 2025 9:27 AM ET

We are at the time of the season when hindsight plays a big role in evaluating the year that was, and for the New York Jets, it wasn't one to remember.

Thought of as a Super Bowl-caliber team, New York looked anything but that in 2024 and only managed to win five games under Aaron Rodgers.

But did the Jets get the draft right, particularly in the first round? New York selected tackle Olu Fashanu to add offensive line depth, but in ESPN's re-draft, the Jets added perhaps one of the best young tight ends in football—Brock Bowers.

"This is a no-brainer," ESPN writes. "Bowers delivered a historic season for the Raiders, setting a rookie record with 112 receptions for 1,194 yards. The Jets passed on him because they wanted to address a need at tackle. Olu Fashanu, whom New York was able to add one pick later after a trade down, showed promise, but Bowers has a chance to be special."

Tyler Conklin was serviceable as the No. 1 tight end, finishing the year with 449 yards and four touchdowns from 51 receptions, but those numbers were nothing compared to Bowers'.

Brock totaled 1,194 yards and five touchdowns from 112 receptions to be the Las Vegas Raiders' offense for much of the season. Adding him into the Jets offense, which was desperate for big-play ability and a big target for Rodgers, might have seen an uptick in performance.

One thing is for sure: Bowers would have given the New York offense some much-needed juice in a year when there was precious little of it.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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