The Jets draft strategy that could allow Justin Fields to take off

The first item on Louis Riddick’s to-do list, if he had been hired as Jets general manager, wasn’t going to be deciding Aaron Rodgers’ fate.

“What’s interesting is that, 1 through 5, that offensive line last year should’ve been 20 times better than it was,” Riddick told The Post. “I remember telling Jets people, ‘The first thing I would figure out is what is wrong with my offensive line that these guys collectively weren’t better than what their individual skill sets say they should’ve been.’ I would still be looking to make sure that is shored up.”

The GM job ultimately went to Darren Mougey over 14 other candidates who were interviewed, including Riddick. And now Mougey — who cut Rodgers and replaced him with Justin Fields at quarterback — must figure out whether to use the initial first-round pick of his tenure (No. 7 overall) on more protection for Fields or on another weapon in the passing game.

“That’s above my pay grade,” Fields said when asked for his preference Wednesday during his introductory news conference. “I’m going to roll with whatever they choose.”