The 2024 NFL Draft is less than one month away and now that the first wave of free agency has passed, NFL teams’ draft blueprints are becoming clearer. For the New York Jets after an aggressive first wave of free agency from Joe Douglas, they enter the draft with a variety of options in the first round. With the acquisition of three new offensive linemen, New York has opened the door for a possible skill position pick.
Let’s look in no particular order at playmakers the Jets can target to help build around Aaron Rodgers.
Who Should The Jets Select In Round 1?
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 200 lbs
Class: Junior
Wide receiver Malik Nabers is quickly becoming one of the most talked about draft prospects entering the 2024 NFL Draft and for good reason. After an impressive pro-day, Nabers has put himself in a position to be the first receiver to hear his name called on draft night. Along with that impressive pro day, Nabers has met with six teams, the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and the Jets.
In 2023, Nabers tallied 89 receptions for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 89 receptions and eye-popping 1,569 yards finished first in the SEC, while his 14 touchdowns finished second behind his teammate and projected first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr. who had 17 touchdowns. Nabers’ consistent development in his three years at LSU and back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons makes him an exciting prospect. In total, Nabers collected 189 receptions for 3,003 yards, and 21 touchdowns during his time in Baton Rouge.
When you mix the numbers, athleticism, and speed there is a strong chance Nabers falls inside the top-five. For New York, getting Nabers won’t be easy it will most likely require trading up inside the top 10. If Douglas is willing to pull the trigger a Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, and Malik Nabers wide receiver trio certainly won’t lack any explosiveness and big play potential.
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 243 lbs
Class: Junior
Many believe entering the 2024 NFL Draft that Brock Bowers is arguably the best prospect, having already drawn comparisons to top NFL tight ends such as George Kittle. When watching Bowers’ ability along with the similar build to Kittle, it isn’t as crazy as a comparison as some may think. For New York, despite not drafting a tight end in the first two rounds since 2014, Bowers could be a day-one home run.
Bowers finished his three years at Georgia under Kirby Smart as one of the best pass catchers to go through the program. In total, he finished third in program history in receptions with 175, fifth in yards with 2,538, and second in touchdowns with 26. Those numbers along with his raw speed, athleticism, and versatility for a tight end are what makes him such a highly touted prospect entering this draft.
Joe Douglas and the rest of the front office will have tough decisions on draft night regarding what direction they want to go in. Even with some doubts about how Bowers would fit in the Jets offense, the bottom line is the Jets need another weapon. Brock Bowers is a weapon.
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 212 lbs
Class: Senior
After the addition of Mike Williams to pair alongside Garrett Wilson, the excitement around Jets fans is growing about the possibility of bringing in Rome Odunze to pair with Wilson and Williams. Similar to Nabers and Harrison Jr., Odunze enters the draft with serious top-10 potential.
In 2023, Odunze hauled in 92 receptions for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns. Those 1,640 yards led all of college football and his 92 receptions led the Pac-12. To add on, Odunze statistically has gotten better each year in receptions, yards, and touchdowns since 2020. He has also tallied back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023. One of Ondunze’s greatest strengths is his ability to go up and get the 50/50 balls against physical corners.
Odunze, similar to Williams, can make those 50/50 balls turn into 70/30 or 80/20 in their advantage. If New York can snag Odunze on draft night, Rodgers will have two excellent one-on-one deep ball threats at his disposal and, oh yeah, he’ll also have Garrett Wilson, of course.
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 209 lbs
Class: Junior
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) pushes off Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Devon Williams (9) as he runs down the field during the first half of their game on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 at Ohio Stadium.
Entering the draft two main receivers will look to carry their father’s legacies. Marvin Harrison Jr. son of Marvin Harrison and Brenden Rice son of Jerry Rice. While Rice is set to be selected in the middle rounds, Harrison Jr. could be the first receiver to get the call. From the day Harrison Jr. committed to Ohio State to right now, he has been one of the most talked about receivers in college football.
This past season Harrison Jr. was able to produce 67 receptions for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns both led the Big Ten and it was back-to-back seasons with over 1,000 yards and exactly 14 touchdowns. Even with Harrison Jr. not participating at the combine or Ohio State’s pro day, his draft stock remains high for good reason. His route running and tight window catches are arguably the best in this draft.
There have been a few recent mock drafts suggesting that New York could trade up for Marvin Harrison Jr. to provide Rodgers with another weapon. Similar to Malik Nabers, the chances are Harrison Jr. won’t be available at ten and would require a trade-up. If Douglas and company like Harrison Jr. that much, a trade-up could be in play.
