The New York Jets are preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft, but a recent report says that general manager Joe Douglas may not stay with the 10th overall pick.
ESPN had its draft analysts share rumors they’re hearing ahead of the draft. When it turned to Field Yates, he noted that the Jets are one of two teams likely to trade down.empty their notebooks
Chicago Bears and New York Jets could move down due to the high demand for offensive tackles.
The Jets have reason to trade down
Even if the Jets have a player in mind, trading back makes sense.
The Jets already upgraded their offensive line by signing three key free agents. Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, and John Simpson to upgrade the unit.
Five of the top 20 prospects on the consensus board are offensive lineman. Other teams may want to trade up to get their desired players before the Jets.
The Jets may still pick a tackle of their own. However, they have been linked to tight end Brock Bowers in recent mock drafts. The Jets don’t have a second-round pick due to the Aaron Rodgers
trade. Trading back in the first round could give them more draft picks to improve depth. The Jets have multiple options for their first-round pick. Mike Francesca has a preferred draft prospect Mike Francesca wants the Jets to draft Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt. During a recent podcast, Francesca emphasized Alt's potential, calling him a can’t-miss player for the offensive line. Alt is currently the No. 8 prospect on the
consensus big board
.
Alt could be a long-term successor to Smith and Moses at tackle.
The New York Jets are expected to trade back in the 2024 NFL Draft, according to ESPN NFL analyst Field Yates.
“If Alt is there [for the Jets], pop the champagne corks because that will be a home run. That will be a guy who will be a 10-year starter, maybe a 14-year starter. A multiple-time All-Pro. He is a can’t-miss player on the offensive line. Can’t miss,” Francesa explained. “Right pedigree. Right everything. A 6-foot-7 tackle. Like I said, it’s 50-50 he’s there.”
Alt is currently the No. 8 prospect on the consensus big board. He’s a massive prospect who thrived in the run game, but also had the length and athleticism to be very good in pass protection.
The Jets may not be able to play Alt right away, but he’d be the perfect long-term successor to Smith and Moses at tackle.
