Mock Draft: New York Jets Have Shot at Rome Odunze?

Will Rome Odunze end up on the New York Jets? Many believe this is the floor for Odunze's draft stock.

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze (WO22) talks to the media / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, so how will the New York Jets go about addressing multiple key needs on their roster? With star quarterback Aaron Rodgers only playing in the season opener due to a torn Achilles tendon, New York is currently slotted to draft at No. 10 overall in the first round.

In the latest Jets-centric mock drafts, offense continues to be the heavy favorite for what direction New York ultimately goes at No. 10.

Let’s go ahead and dive into an in-depth mock draft conducted by The New York Post’s Jets beat writer Brian Costello.

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) against the Michigan / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

No. 10 — Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Odunze and Georgia tight end Brock Bowers continue to get the most love from draft pundits for New York’s first-round selection. Either one would instantly add much-needed juice for the Jets’ offense, which is sorely lacking outside of Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall.

“The Jets’ war room would be celebrating if Odunze drops to them here,” Costello wrote. “In this simulation, Malik Nabers and Marvin Harrison Jr. were taken, and on the offensive line, Joe Alt and Fuaga were gone. The Falcons and Bears, drafting right before the Jets, took defensive players in Dallas Turner and Jared Verse, leaving us with Odunze.”

A potential dynamic duo on the outside featuring Wilson and Odunze for Rodgers to work with should make Jets fans salivate at that possibility. Odunze and Wilson’s skillsets spear to compliment each other very well, too.

“Odunze could give the Jets major flexibility at wide receiver,” Costello continued. “They would not have to rush Mike Williams back from his ACL injury. They could move Garrett Wilson into the slot when they wanted to create mismatches. Odunze had a monster 2023 season for the Huskies with 92 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns.”

Expect the Jets to either draft Odunze, Bowers, or maybe even a highly-rated offensive line prospect at No. 10.

Nov 11, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; Washington State Cougars defensive back Jaden Hicks (25) / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

No. 72 — Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State

New York is without their second-round pick this year due to the Rodgers trade, but they come back around at No. 72 overall selecting potentially an immediate starter for the secondary.

“I’m going defense early this week,” Costello wrote. “If there is one position on the defense that I think is shaky, it is safety. The Jets have Chuck Clark returning from an ACL tear and Tony Adams, who had ups and downs in his first year as a starter. It feels like a position that needs to be addressed and the Jets can do it here with Hicks, who can play both safety positions.”

In 12 games for Washington State last season, Hicks tallied 79 total tackles, 2.5 sacks and 2 interceptions. Hicks’ extreme versatility would be a very welcome addition to the Jets’ defensive backfield.

Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen (0) runs for a first down during the second quarter of their / Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

No. 134 — Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin

Potential Breece Hall insurance here due to his injury history, Allen could become the ideal complimentary piece to pair with him. Standing at 6’2”, 238 pounds, Allen would be the thumper compared to Hall’s electric running style.

“I still think the Jets may add a veteran running back, but as of now, they need to add to that room,” Costello wrote. “Breece Hall and Israel Abanikanda are all they have there right now. Allen would give them a physical runner who can complement that pair.”

One of the younger prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, Allen rushed for 3,494 yards on 597 attempts in his collegiate career for the Wisconsin Badgers.