New York Jets Eyeing Potential Trade-Down Partner Ahead of NFL Draft
ICARO Media Group
In the build-up to the highly anticipated 2024 NFL Draft, the New York Jets are exploring the possibility of trading down and acquiring additional picks. With just 15 days remaining until the big night, speculation is rife over the Jets' intentions for their 10th overall pick.
Currently, the Jets possess only two top-100 picks, positioned at 10th and 72nd. The team's general manager, Joe Douglas, has shown a propensity for accumulating more selections, having made 13 top-100 picks across four drafts. Therefore, it's reasonable to believe that Douglas may attempt to maneuver and acquire extra capital in this year's draft.
Interestingly, the 10th overall pick has often been traded in recent drafts. Over the past seven years, this coveted spot has been traded five times, highlighting its appeal for teams looking to make a move. However, finding a trade partner that is willing to part with premium picks might be a challenge this year, given that a top quarterback is unlikely to be available at that spot.
Last year, the Jets faced a similar situation when they failed to find a trade partner for their 15th overall pick. Nonetheless, the upcoming draft still offers a pool of talented players who could attract valuable draft capital. One potential trade partner emerging on the horizon is the Indianapolis Colts, currently holding the 15th overall pick.
Speculation surrounding the Colts' intentions has been swirling for months. Initially, it was rumored that they might trade up to secure Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze after a meeting at the combine. However, recent reports suggest that the Colts have shifted their focus to tight end Brock Bowers from Georgia.
Bowers is regarded as a generational prospect at the tight end position and would be a valuable addition to the Colts' offensive core. The team has even met with Bowers at the combine, further fueling the speculation of a potential trade-up scenario.
As the overwhelming favorite to be chosen by the Jets at the tenth overall pick, Douglas will face a pivotal decision. He must choose between selecting Bowers or considering the Colts' trade proposal, which would involve the Jets moving back five spots and gaining an additional Day 2 pick.
Analyzing past trades involving the 10th overall pick, one notable example is from 2018 when the Arizona Cardinals traded up to select quarterback Josh Rosen, giving up the 15th, 79th, and 152nd overall picks to the Oakland Raiders. Another trade from 2021, involving the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, provides a more favorable valuation for the Jets.
Considering these trade scenarios, it is likely that the Jets could potentially offer the Colts their 10th and 72nd overall picks in exchange for the 15th, 46th, and 117th picks. This trade would see the Jets move down five spots in the first round while gaining a significant jump from the early third round to the mid-second round, along with an additional fourth-round pick.
With this potential trade, the Jets would strengthen their draft position by securing a valuable second-round pick, addressing the team's need for additional talent. As the draft day approaches, all eyes will be on the Jets as they contemplate their options and seek to maximize the value of their picks.
The New York Jets' draft strategy will undoubtedly be a topic of great interest in the weeks leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft. All fans and analysts eagerly await the team's decision as they plot their course for the upcoming season and beyond.