The New York Jets have no shortage of options when it comes to the No. 7 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With multiple roster holes to fill and a long-term plan taking shape under the new regime, the Jets could target help at wide receiver, offensive line, defense, or any number of different positions.
That’s why it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Jets stay flexible on draft day, whether that means trading up for the right player or moving down to collect extra picks. With several needs to address, adding long-term building blocks could be just as valuable as making a splash at the top of the draft.
And if their latest pre-draft visit is any indication, a trade-down scenario might already be on their radar. The Jets hosted Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon on an official visit on Thursday after the projected first-round pick visited with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers earlier in the week.
Harmon is widely expected to be a first-round pick, with some projecting him to go inside the top 20. However, he’s rarely been mocked in the top 10, suggesting the Jets could be doing their homework in the event of a trade-down scenario.
NY Jets eyeing Derrick Harmon in potential draft-day trade
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo agreed with that assertion, insisting that Harmon’s visit to Florham Park would almost definitely “be in a trade-back or trade-up scenario.” The Jets could also look to move up from pick No. 42 in the second round if Harmon slides a little.
At 6-foot-4, 313 pounds, Harmon broke out as one of the best defensive linemen in college football in his lone season at Oregon in 2024. The Michigan State transfer led all FBS interior linemen with 55 pressures in 14 games — 12 more than the next-best defensive tackle.
Harmon is a force as an interior rusher, displaying excellent athleticism and an advanced pass-rush arsenal. He’s also far from a liability in run defense, using his large frame and explosiveness to plug up holes in running lanes.
Harmon still needs to refine his ability to finish plays (specifically sacks) and improve his overall discipline, but he’s a scheme-versatile defensive tackle with the tools to be an impact pass rusher and strong run defender at the next level.
The Jets signed a trio of veteran defensive tackles in Derrick Nnadi, Byron Cowart, and Jay Tufele this offseason, but none of them project as true difference-makers. All three will likely be competing for snaps and possibly roster spots this summer.
Harmon could line up next to Quinnen Williams and provide the Jets with a significant boost along the interior of their defensive line. While he’s a long shot to be the pick at No. 7, he appears to be firmly on the team’s radar if they trade down or potentially move back into the latter half of the first round.