The Jets addressed several needs this offseason.
However, Gang Green could still use offensive help in this year’s draft, which begins on Thursday.
According to general manager Joe Douglas, Mike Williams, whom the Jets signed a one-year contract last month, probably won’t be ready for the start of training camp. Because of that, the Jets need to examine if trading up to select either LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers or Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze would be beneficial.
“One thing I would say on the Jets, the one thing about them moving — If he [Odunze] gets to eight, I could make a strong argument that the Jets could make an easy, painless flip with Atlanta goes back to 10,” NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said last week. “They can leapfrog Chicago and take Odunze, which wouldn’t cost them much.
“You give them a three, you give them a four, you could have other picks involved there.”
According to the NFL trade chart value by Drafttek, the Jets’ No. 10 selection is worth 1,300 points. The Falcons’ No. 8 spot is worth 1,200 points.
During this mock draft, the Jets traded up from 10th to eighth overall to select Odunze. In exchange, the Falcons received the 10th pick, a 2024 fourth-round pick (111th overall) and a 2025 second-round pick.
Now, it’s time for the final mock draft with the prediction that the Jets will move up in the first round.
Round 1, 8th overall (projected trade with Falcons): Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
There’s a reason the Jets should trade up and draft Odunze. He has everything a team wants in a receiver. Odunze has a great combination of size, speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability.
In 2023, Odunze finished with 92 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was a First-Team Associated Press All-American and a First-Team All-Pac-12 selection.
If the Jets want to build the best offense around Aaron Rodgers, finding a way to draft Odunze is a must. With his route running and ability to bring down contested catches, Odunze would improve the Jets’ offense immensely.
Round 3, 72nd overall: Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
If the Jets draft Odunze, they still need to add depth to their offensive line on Day 2. He might be a raw player from an Ivy League school, but Kiran Amegadjie is the best FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) prospect in this year’s draft.
At 6-5, 323 pounds, Amegadjie has an excellent blend of athleticism, length and size. What he lacks in experience, Amegadjie makes up for it with his footwork and explosiveness off the ball.
Amegadjie would be a great developmental prospect for the Jets. Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses will both become free agents following the 2024 season. The plan would be for Amegadjie to sit and learn from the two veterans and then become a starter in 2025.
Round 4, 134th overall (via Ravens): DeWayne Carter, DT, Duke
Gang Green still could use reinforcements in the middle of its defensive line. DeWayne Carter would be a tremendous value pick late in the fourth round.
A three-time captain at Duke, Carter played over 2,600 snaps in five seasons. During the 2023 campaign, Carter finished with 41 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack.
Carter is a three-technique player, which means he is responsible for playing the gap between the guard and tackle. He is not a prospect likely to turn into a star, but Carter can stop running backs right in their tracks and have a positive effect on stopping the run. Last season, the Jets defense allowed 124 rushing yards per game, which was 25th in the NFL.
Round 6, 185th overall: Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State
Jordan Travis is a fantastic athlete who showed grit during his five seasons at Florida State. His senior year was his best season in a Seminoles uniform. Travis passed for 2,756 yards, 20 touchdowns, and two interceptions in 2023.
During his time at Florida State, Travis improved his accuracy enormously. He specializes in running RPO and play-action offense and is a quick decision-maker.
It’s unclear if Travis can be Rodgers’ successor under center. But in the sixth round, why not take a flyer on a player who has continued to improve throughout the last three seasons?
Round 6, 206th overall (via Broncos): Erick All, TE, Iowa
Many Jets fans have gotten aboard on the Brock Bowers train, hoping the team will select him 10th overall. But if the Jets decide against that, drafting All late in Day 3 could pay dividends.
He isn’t the fastest tight end, but at 6-4, 252 pounds, All has terrific versatility. He can line up almost anywhere on the field and play the traditional tight end spot or the H-back role.
All probably would have been selected higher if not for a torn ACL tear last October. But he could be a good developmental prospect and special teams player for the Jets while learning the game’s nuances.
Round 7, 257th overall (compensatory pick): Tatum Bethune, LB, Florida State
The Jets could use some linebacker depth, and Bethune is an inside linebacker with good instincts to be at least a solid backup on an NFL roster. In 13 games for the Seminoles, Bethune registered 70 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. Bethune is also decent in pass coverage, with the ability to consistently cover most running backs and tight ends.
