Jets 2025 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Experts see Gang Green beefing up pass rush in first round

After going through an extensive search following their separation from GM Joe Douglas, the Jets decided to take a shot on assistant GM Darren Mougey from the Denver Broncos.

Mougey held various positions during his journey through the organization, and he now comes to the Big Apple, where he'll be tasked with helping turn around a squad that finished 5-12 last season and hasn't made the playoffs in 14 years.

One of his first tasks to tackle – the NFL Draft.

After another rough season, Gang Green currently holds the seventh overall pick in the 2025 edition of the draft.

Here's what the experts have them doing...

Connor Hughes, SNY

DT Mason Graham, Michigan

The Jets could go in so many different directions here. Offensive line, sure. They need a right tackle. They could also go receiver if they let Davante Adams and Allen Lazard go (Luther Burden III, Emeka Egbuka). They could also add a quarterback and have him sit and develop behind Tyrod Taylor for a season.

But, for this mock, give them Graham. Some scouts believe he’s the best defensive player in this draft. He had 45 tackles -- seven for a loss -- and 3.5 sacks this past season. He’d give the Jets quite a lot of talent up front when paired with Jermaine Johnson, Will McDonald, and Quinnen Williams.

Chad Reuter, NFL.com

DT Mason Graham, Michigan

If the Jets do not re-sign free agent defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, I'd expect them to take Graham, the best defender still on the board, to pair with Quinnen Williams up front. Graham's strength and quickness allow him to play multiple spots on the line, while his relentless hustle can be taxing on offensive lines.

The Athletic – Nick Baumgardner & Scott Dochterman

DT Mason Graham, Michigan

Not sure we can rule out a top-five spot for Graham. He’s clearly the top interior tackle in this class and the type of versatile difference-maker inside (at age 21) every team covets. He can play in any scheme, inside or out, and he will absolutely help a team’s culture -- the Jets could use all of that.

Bryce Lazenby, The Sporting News

DT Mason Graham, Michigan

The Jets need to get better along the defensive line, and Graham is the best interior defensive lineman in this class. In 2024, Graham racked up 45 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. 

Graham's numbers aren't eye-popping due to the fact that the defender was often double-teamed and surrounded by other talent defenders at Michigan. Even still, Graham dominated Big Ten competition and demonstrated incredible strength along with elite quickness for his size.

Javon Kinlaw, Leki Fotu and Solomon Thomas and are all headed to free agency, so the Jets' defensive line could soon be even thinner. Graham would be an elite addition next to Quinnen Williams and would give the Jets one of the league's most fearsome defensive tackle combinations.

Field Yates, ESPN

EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia

The Jets are moving on from Aaron Rodgers and making a change at quarterback. But with the top two passers off the board, the Jets probably would have to look elsewhere at No. 7. Perhaps they look at the Day 2 quarterbacks or just address the spot in free agency.

Regardless, I think New York turns to the defense here, and Williams would boost a pass rush that needs more of an edge presence to complement Will McDonald IV, who broke out in 2024 with 10.5 sacks. Williams has rare length, power and more pass-rush juice than his sack numbers suggest (14 over three seasons).

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN

EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia

This is another team with quarterback questions, but regardless of Aaron Rodgers' future, the Jets might focus instead on the other side of the ball in Round 1.

I'm getting the sense that Williams will get drafted higher than most expect -- he's No. 12 on my board -- and he could give New York more presence off the edge. He needs coaching (Aaron Glenn would be great for his development if the Jets hire him) and has room to grow with his pass-rush technique. But I see the potential for 10-12 sacks per season here.

Williams reminds me of another former Georgia edge rusher who didn't have the college stats but absolutely had the talent: Travon Walker. So while five sacks -- Williams did miss time with an ankle injury -- might make you pause, know that he looks the part and has the traits to be a force in the NFL.

Nate Tice & Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports

EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State

This would be quite the get for the Jets at No. 7. Carter has upside as a true pass rushing ace who would inject the venom back into what has been a deep unit in recent years.

Carter has an explosive get-off and the bend to turn the corner on tackles. He's still inconsistent playing the run, which means you won't see many Carter-Will McDonald pairings on early downs, but he would keep the cupboard full of pass rushing options for Aaron Glenn and new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.