2024 NFL Draft Buzz: Jets Leap Two Spots to Draft Rome Odunze

The New York Jets didn’t have a successful season in 2023 as they fell 7-10 with their starting quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, suffering a season-ending injury during the season opener. But this season, they’re looking for an epic comeback, and for that to happen, they need to draft wisely. 

The Jets previously signed WR Mike Williams and tackle Tyron Smith, but they still need an explosive receiver to get the game running for Rodgers, who’s expected to return for the 2024 season. With their overall No. 10 pick, they’ll have to sacrifice some of the best receiver prospects unless they trade up. And that’s precisely what they’re doing. 

The Jets trade up for Rome Odunze

Elite Washington standout Rome Odunze is one of the most highly touted wide receivers entering the 2024 NFL Draft. As a potential top-10 pick, NFL teams needing a receiver will need to be in the early rounds to draft this huge talent who’s an excellent playmaker. Less than a week before the draft day, it looks like the Jets are executing their plan to haul in a weapon for their star QB Aaron Rodgers. According to a report by NFL analyst Moe Moton, “#Jets move up two spots for Rome Odunze.”

The New York Jets had the No. 10 overall pick, but without a trade-up, there is less chance of them securing an elite prospect. As NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice previously wrote, “Having aggressively upgraded the roster via free agency and a pair of trades, the Jets are clearly going for it in Take 2 of the Aaron Rodgers experience.” Their trade-up gives them a sliver of hope as they can potentially snag the top 3 WRs after Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers. 

The hype around projected No. 3 WR Rome Odunze

While the competition is high, Rome Odunze views himself as the top receiver entering the draft this season. At 6’3 and 215 pounds, his build isn’t the only strength he’s bringing to the table as he also has remarkable agility, posting a 4.45 40-time. This makes him a deep threat to opponents and a valuable asset to the team that drafts him.

Rome Ozunde led the Huskies to a National Championship appearance in 2023. Alongside the highly-toured QB Michael Penix Jr., Ozunde secured 1,640 receiving yards. The Las Vegas native has also expressed interest in joining the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the No. 13 pick. But with the Jets’ eyes on Ozunde, will the Raiders get the satisfaction of having him on board? We can only wait for the big reveal in Detroit on April 25.