Inside the Offense: 4 Critical Questions the New York Jets Must Answer Before the 2025 NFL Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the New York Jets find themselves with lingering uncertainty on the offensive side of the ball. While newly appointed GM Darren Mougey and Head Coach Aaron Glenn have taken a methodical “low risk, high reward” approach to free agency, it’s evident that several offensive positions still require clarity — and possibly an infusion of talent.

With free agency settling and draft plans intensifying, here are four key offensive questions that the Jets must answer to position themselves as true playoff contenders in 2025.

1. Who Will Start Opposite Garrett Wilson?

The Jets’ decision to release Davante Adams early in the offseason due to cap constraints left a significant void at wide receiver. Garrett Wilson is entrenched as the team’s No. 1 target, but the question of who will line up opposite him remains wide open.

Veteran wideout Allen Lazard agreed to a substantial pay cut to stay with the team — a sign of faith in Glenn and Mougey’s vision. However, his future role is far from certain. Lazard could be a rotational piece, or he could be cut altogether if his performance doesn’t justify even his reduced salary.

In the meantime, the Jets added Josh Reynolds, a familiar face from Glenn and Mougey’s Detroit days. Reynolds provides experience and chemistry with the coaching staff, and could become a dependable WR3 or even WR2 in certain sets.

Still, there are intriguing options on the market. Veterans like Amari Cooper and Keenan Allen — despite underwhelming 2024 campaigns — could bring leadership and reliable hands without threatening Wilson’s target share. Alternatively, a reunion with Elijah Moore might appeal to the Jets’ youth-focused strategy. Whether the answer comes through free agency or the draft, the Jets need a complementary receiver who can open up the field and take pressure off Wilson.

2. Will Breece Hall Accept a Committee Role?

Breece Hall remains one of the Jets’ most dynamic offensive weapons, but 2025 could be a turning point in his career with the team. Coach Aaron Glenn has hinted at a “running back by committee” approach — something he saw succeed in Detroit with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

The Jets’ current backfield is loaded. Alongside Hall are promising rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, plus new quarterback Justin Fields — a dual-threat playmaker who adds another layer to the run game.

This depth may look great on paper, but it raises concerns for Hall, especially as he eyes a contract extension and prefers to be the featured back. The Jets haven’t yet shown they’re ready to commit to him long-term, and if Hall feels marginalized in the new system, a trade request could be on the table. It’s a storyline worth monitoring throughout the offseason and into training camp.

3. Who Starts at Right Tackle in Week 1?

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After losing veteran Morgan Moses to the New England Patriots at the onset of free agency, the Jets are still in search of a solid right tackle to complete their revamped offensive line. While they signed Chukwuma Okorafor — who currently tops the depth chart — it seems unlikely he’ll be the Week 1 starter unless he drastically outperforms expectations this summer.

Enter the 2025 NFL Draft.

Missouri standout Armand Membou is widely projected to be the Jets’ pick at No. 7 overall. Pairing him with recent top pick Olu Fashanu would give the Jets two franchise tackles to anchor the offensive line for years to come. If Membou isn’t available, LSU’s Will Campbell could be an option.

Should the Jets opt to use their first-rounder elsewhere, free agent Jedrick Wills could be a viable stopgap. Once a highly regarded first-rounder, Wills fits the Jets’ offseason philosophy of gambling on underperforming talent with upside. Either way, solidifying the right tackle spot is essential to protecting Fields and establishing a functional offense.

4. Can Jeremy Ruckert Claim the Starting Tight End Role?

The departure of Tyler Conklin to the Chargers opens the door for Jeremy Ruckert to step into the TE1 role — a position he’s yet to fully embrace since being drafted.

Last season, Ruckert showed flashes but lacked consistency. However, his college connection with Justin Fields from their Ohio State days gives him a unique opportunity to build rapport quickly. That familiarity won’t guarantee him a spot, though. Ruckert must still prove himself capable of handling a full-time role, especially in a system that may lean heavily on tight end production in the red zone.

Complicating matters is the strength of the 2025 tight end class. If the Jets opt to use one of their mid-round picks on a pass-catching TE like Penn State’s Tyler Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland, Ruckert will face stiff competition. Yet, patience is a virtue for this coaching staff, and if Ruckert can show development in camp, he may finally get his shot to shine.

Final Thoughts

The Jets’ offense has potential, but there are still more questions than answers. From wide receiver depth and backfield dynamics to critical roles on the offensive line and tight end room, GM Darren Mougey and HC Aaron Glenn have key decisions to make before and during the 2025 NFL Draft.

If the Jets want to make a leap in 2025, finding solutions to these four offensive dilemmas will be crucial — not just for the short-term, but to lay the foundation for sustained success in the years ahead.