The New York Jets may not be able to pick the best offensive tackle in the April draft. One solution could be trading up in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.
On the “NFL Stock Exchange Podcast”, the co-hosts, Connor Rogers and Trevor Sikkema, suggested during a three-round mock draft.
Atlanta Falcons receive: a 2024 first-round pick (No. 10 overall) and a 2025 second-round pick
New York Jets receive: a 2024 first-round pick (No. 8 overall)
In this suggested scenario, the Jets would move up in the draft to pick Joe Alt from Notre Dame. He is widely seen as the best offensive tackle in the upcoming NFL draft.
ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid mentioned on X Twitter that Alt is “Easily one of the most impressive players that I saw up close last season. Very large person.” Reid said he officially measured 6-foot-8 and weighed 321 pounds.
Jets’ Thought Process Behind Potential Trade up in Draft
Connor Rogers explained on the show that he doesn’t see “any way” that Alt just falls to the Jets at No. 10.
Trevor Sikkema added that if Alt is available at pick No. 8 and the Falcons are considering trade offers, “the Jets should absolutely do the trade.”
The complicating factor in any trade scenario is the lack of draft assets the Jets possess. Currently, New York only has five picks in this class. They could still receive three projected compensatory picks but those are all expected in the seventh round.
Gang Green doesn’t have a second-round pick because of the Aaron Rodgers trade with the Green Bay Packers. If the Jets want to make a significant move up the board they might have to use some 2025 draft picks.
Rogers believes the key for the Jets is “getting ahead” to acquire Alt. He said if the Jets don’t move up from No. 10 then someone else likely will.
The Likelihood of a Jets Trade-up in Round 1?
Jets team reporter Eric Allen asked Brian Costello of the New York Post if a trade up or a trade down is more likely for the Jets in 2024.
“I think move up because of where they are at. This is win-or-go-home for Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh. I mean Woody Johnson made that clear at NFL Honors. They have to win this year. If there is an [offensive] tackle that they love more than the other guys and they are not willing to let whoever fall. Move up to [pick] seven and go get him,” Costello said.
I asked Sikkema on “Boy Green Daily” how realistic is Alt falling within range for a potential Jets trade-up. He admitted that the chances are a lot higher this week than they were last week.
Alt revealed at the NFL Combine that he had a “great visit” with the Jets in Indianapolis. If he was selected by the green and white he would be the plug and play starter at left tackle.
