The New York Jets head into the 2025 NFL Draft with the No. 7 overall pick and a roster riddled with question marks after a disappointing 5-12 season. Among their biggest dilemmas: Should they address their glaring need for an edge rusher, or swing for the fences with a generational wide receiver talent?
The Case for Abdul Carter: A Defensive Game-Changer
Penn State’s Abdul Carter is widely regarded as the top pass rusher in the draft class. For a Jets team that struggled mightily in generating pressure off the edge, Carter could be a transformative piece. After an underwhelming return from veteran Haason Reddick, who notched just one sack in nine games after a lengthy holdout, the Jets need fresh blood on the defensive line.
Carter’s stats back up the hype:
- 22 career sacks over three seasons.
- Exceptional burst and versatility to fit any defensive scheme.
- A proven ability to disrupt even the most composed quarterbacks.
Selecting Carter would immediately shore up one of the Jets’ biggest weaknesses and restore some balance to a defense that struggled to capitalize on its talented secondary.
Enter Tetairoa McMillan: The Offensive Unicorn
On the other hand, Tetairoa McMillan, the 6-foot-5 wide receiver out of Arizona, offers a tantalizing prospect for a Jets offense desperate for a spark. McMillan isn’t just any wide receiver—he’s a once-in-a-decade talent with the ability to change the trajectory of an offense overnight.
Here’s what makes McMillan so special:
- Size and Speed: At 6-foot-5, he has the physicality to dominate defenders, yet moves with the fluidity of a slot receiver.
- Elite Catch Radius: A quarterback’s best friend, McMillan makes impossible catches look routine.
- Athleticism: Scouts compare him to a more explosive version of Drake London, making him a mismatch against virtually any cornerback.
For a Jets offense that ranked near the bottom of the league in scoring and yards, McMillan could be the key to unlocking the potential of a struggling unit. Pairing him with emerging quarterback talent or a future veteran signing could make the Jets’ passing game a true threat.
Best Player Available or Fit?
The Jets face a classic draft conundrum: Do they draft for need or take the best player available? McMillan is the kind of wide receiver talent that doesn’t come around often, but passing on Carter could leave the Jets regretting their decision if their defensive woes persist.
Pros of Drafting McMillan:
- Immediate upgrade to the offense.
- Provides a franchise cornerstone on the offensive side of the ball.
- Takes pressure off the Jets’ running game and adds versatility to the playbook.
Cons of Drafting McMillan:
- Neglecting the glaring hole at edge rusher.
- Risk of underutilizing McMillan without significant upgrades at quarterback.
Pros of Drafting Carter:
- Bolsters a defense that desperately needs a pass-rushing presence.
- Complements an already talented defensive backfield.
- Aligns with the Jets’ need to dominate in the trenches.
Cons of Drafting Carter:
- Misses out on a generational offensive talent.
- May not address the Jets’ offensive struggles, which are equally dire.
Verdict: A Bold Gamble or a Strategic Fix
If the Jets are confident in their ability to find a quality edge rusher later in the draft or via free agency, Tetairoa McMillan might be too good to pass up. His presence could electrify the Jets’ offense and make them more competitive in a league increasingly defined by explosive playmakers.
However, if New York’s priority is stabilizing its defense and avoiding another season of mediocrity, Abdul Carter is the safer, more practical choice.
The decision at No. 7 will reveal the Jets’ priorities: building for the long-term with a potential superstar receiver, or patching critical holes to compete sooner rather than later. Either way, the Jets can’t afford to miss—this pick could define their rebuild.
