New York Jets' Draft Target: Brock Bowers vs. Rome Odunze?

With a top-10 overall pick, and most holes plugged through free agency, the New York Jets have the opportunity to get a top receiving weapon in the NFL Draft.

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) misses a catch / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

A dominant player over the middle of the field, or one of the most electrifying outside threats?

That's the decision the New York Jets could be left with with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Brock Bowers remains the top tight end prospect of the current class and could be available for New York. Washington's Rome Odunze is among the more polished at his position, and could also be within striking distance.

So which player should the Jets look to take in a few weeks? Today, we break down the pros and cons of both.

The Case For Brock Bowers

Most draft analysts would agree that Bowers is the unquestioned top player at his position - unlike Odunze. His elite route-running, ball carrying skills make him a nightmare for NFL defenses, especially with so few good ones that can have coverage linebackers or safeties.

There were few players in college football as dominant as Bowers over the last two seasons. The All-American is among the best at beating man coverage but is also intelligent enough to make defenses pay in zone.

Simply put, the kind of weapon that Bowers is would make a player like Rodgers even better in the long run because of his ability to play anywhere on the field. The four-time NFL MVP hasn't had a weapon like this before in his career.

The issue with Bowers is that while the Jets do need another pass catcher, one that can win over the middle isn't exactly something New York is desperate for. Tyler Conklin is a quality starter, and former third round pick Jeremy Ruckert is also in line for increased snaps. Should Bowers get drafted, he would need to excel early in camp to prove he's worthy of jumping over both players on the depth chart.

The Case For Rome Odunze

Why would the Jets draft a receiver after already paying a player like Mike Williams in free agency? The former Charger is coming off ACL surgery, but is not 100% sure that he'll be ready to go for Week 1. That's why having some added help will certainly be a focus for New York.

Odunze may not be the kind of player that Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers has shown, but he's an excellent route-runner, and sure-handed. He is one of the more consistent and safe picks in this draft because he has all the tools to succeed and few overall weaknesses. He also is among the best in his class at winning jump balls.

Odunze would pair with a Hall-of-Fame quarterback like Aaron Rodgers very well, and allow a star like Garrett Wilson to work primarily out of the slot. The only question on his end is if he will actually fall to 10.

The Verdict

While it is still likely that the Jets look to trade back in the draft to secure more picks, and acquire a top offensive lineman, the opportunity does not come along often to select a high-rising player on a competitive team.

While Bowers remains an unbelievable weapon that should be in for a strong rookie season following the removal of the hip drop tackle, Odunze provides insurance at a position of need for New York.

Noone is sure if Williams will be ready to go for Week 1, so having a quality pass catcher opposite Garrett Wilson is something the Jets should be looking to target. Odunze isn't the player that Nabers or Harrison are, but he's an easy first-round talent with the skill set to be a major thorn in defender's sides.

Especially with Rodgers at quarterback.