Jets 2024 NFL Draft Trade Scenarios, Prospects to Watch Outlined by Insider

The New York Jets filled multiple holes on their roster this offseason, giving them flexibility with the No. 10 pick in Thursday's NFL draft.

There are many directions the Jets can go with their first-round selection, so ESPN's Rich Cimini broke down some of the potential scenarios that can play out on Thursday night.

Cimini noted that there's a chance New York could trade up or down, as the team "could pick anywhere from [No. 8 to No. 17]." The players the Jets would target in a trade-up scenario would be wide receivers Malik Nabers of LSU and Rome Odunze of Washington. If they trade down, they will likely select one of the top remaining offensive tackles. Both positions would benefit star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is returning from a torn Achilles that cost him virtually the entire 2023 season.

Depending on how the first nine picks play out, Odunze or Nabers could fall into New York's lap at the No. 10 pick. If one of them is remaining on the board, Cimini believes the Jets would take either player over an offensive lineman or Georgia star tight end Brock Bowers, who has been frequently linked to Gang Green in mock drafts.

If both Odunze and Nabers are gone early, Cimini thinks Bowers "comes into play" if New York holds onto the No. 10 pick. The 2023 unanimous All-American is a unique player, but he's viewed as more of a luxury whereas the Jets have more of a need at offensive tackle.

Adding veterans Tryon Smith and Morgan Moses this offseason were solid moves for New York general manager Joe Douglas, who is clearly in win-now mode. It's clear that the team will still need long-term solutions at both tackle spots, and if it opts for an offensive tackle in the draft, Cimini said the "ideal scenario" would be trading down to acquire extra assets since it only has two picks in the top 100.

However, Cimini noted that it's "hard to get a read" on which offensive tackle the Jets prefer out of a deep class of prospects. Notre Dame's Joe Alt and Alabama's JC Latham are likely to be off the board by the 10th pick. Penn State's Olumuyiwa Fashanu is an intriguing left tackle prospect. Oregon State right tackle Taliese Fuaga was described as "a Joe Douglas kind of guy." Also, Washington's Troy Fautanu and Oklahoma's Tyler Guyton "are in the picture."

Interestingly, while Alt is widely considered to be the best out of the bunch, Cimini pointed out that "at least one team... has Fashanu and Latham rated over Alt." He added, "It wouldn't shock me if the Jets have similar feelings."

The Jets are hoping to end a 13-year playoff drought, which is the longest active streak in the NFL, NBA, NHL or MLB. After years of swings and misses, New York's 2024 draft pick is crucial to the franchise's hopes of ending its run of futility.