In the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the New York Jets had an excellent night. After a disappointing season, the Jets had a top-10 pick going into the night and were looking to improve a team that is looking to be in win-now mode for next season.
The excitement of the 2024 NFL Draft officially started on Thursday night and the Jets were on the clock at No. 10. Coming into the draft, it appeared likely that the Jets were going to improve their offense, whether that be a new weapon at wide receiver or tight end, or on the offensive line.
When the Jets were on the clock at 10, they saw the Chicago Bears take Rome Odunze from Washington just before them with the 9th overall pick. Odunze was a player linked to the Jets, and after seeing him go off the board, New York opted to make a trade.
They moved back one spot in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, who jumped up to take Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. In return for moving up one spot, the Vikings sent a fourth and fifth-round pick to the Jets.
Getting some extra draft capital is always nice for the Jets, as they can either try to move up on Day 2 or add some more depth. With their newly acquired 11th pick, the Jets drafted offensive tackle Olu Fashanu from Penn State.
While quarterback was a main issue for New York last season, their offensive line was also a major issue. That has been addressed in free agency with the signings of guard John Simpson and left tackle Tyron Smith, along with the trade for Morgan Moses at offensive tackle. However, with both players being veterans and Smith having injury issues in the past, adding depth and a potential starter for next season in Fashanu is a smart move.
With a veteran quarterback coming off a major injury, protecting Aaron Rodgers had to be a top priority for the New York Jets. Adding a first-round tackle should help with that, as Rodgers should be good enough to elevate weapons around him, which is something Jets quarterbacks haven’t done in the past.
Overall, with the trade and the draft pick, it was a very strong first round for the Jets.
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