Jets Rumors: Rome Odunze Would've Been Picked 'in a Heartbeat' If Bears Passed on WR

The New York Jets chose to gain assets and solidify their offensive line in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, if things went differently, a talented receiver could have joined their ranks.

Rich Cimini of ESPN reported that the Jets may have shifted their plans if the Chicago Bears had passed on wide receiver Rome Odunze, writing Friday that New York "would've picked Odunze in a heartbeat."

Chicago took Odunze with the No. 9 pick in the first round, but it was feasible that the Bears could have traded out of the pick or elected to fulfill a different need.

Odunze had 1,640 yards and 14 touchdowns for Washington in 2023 and helped the Huskies post a 14-1 record and an appearance in the CFP National Championship. He was the third wide receiver off the board and was rated as the No. 2 receiver and the No. 6 overall player in the draft by Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

Once Odunze was unavailable, the Jets traded down to No. 11, gaining a fourth-and-fifth-round pick in the process. New York then took Olu Fashanu, who did not surrender a single sack during his collegiate career and was an All-American in 2023.