Could the Jets be hunting for another wide receiver with their 10th overall pick in this month’s draft?
Gang Green has already satisfied its receiver this offseason. The team signed Mike Williams to a one-year contract that could be worth up to $15 million.
However, LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers is set to visit with three teams in the coming week, and the Jets are one of them. He will also visit with the Titans and Bears, according to NFL Network.
Last week, the Jets hosted Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze. Having a variety of offensive weapons is a good problem to have, and it appears the Jets want to make sure Aaron Rodgers has the best team around him to make a chase at a Super Bowl title.
Why would the Jets draft a receiver after signing Williams this offseason? He is only on a one-year contract, and the Jets need to find a second option opposite Garrett Wilson.
A year ago, the Jets believed they had found that solution after signing Allen Lazard to a four-year contract worth $44 million. But Lazard finished with just 23 catches for 311 yards and one touchdown in 14 games.
After Marvin Harrison Jr., Nabers could be the best receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft. Last season for the Tigers, Nabers finished with 89 catches, 1,569 yards, and 14 touchdowns. This was after registering 72 passes for 1,017 yards and three touchdowns in 2022.
Nabers’ big-play ability makes him one of the best players in this year’s draft. His versatility should also make NFL teams salivate.
Nabers was a weapon in both the slot and on the outside. He can also play all three receiver spots. No matter where he was on the field at LSU, defenders had problems slowing down Nabers.
The Jets could have some competition for Nabers. If the Giants do not select a quarterback at sixth overall, they could draft Nabers. They need to add offensive skill position players and Nabers would instantly become the Giants’ top wideout.
“I’m able to go outside and inside,” Nabers said at the combine about what he brings to a franchise. I’m able to create space whether it be with a corner that’s outside, a long, skinny corner or a slot guy.
“I’m able to play different positions. I feel like that’s what makes me great, really. I’m able to go against eight DBs a game and still average 100 yards per game.”
Odunze is also in the conversion to be the second receiver drafted. He helped the Huskies reach the national championship after registering 92 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns.
At 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, Odunze has excellent size and great ball skills to excel at the next level. He loves to attack contested balls and win one-on-one battles with defenders.
Odunze was a high school sprinter, so speed is not an issue. At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.45 40-yard dash.
Odunze would flourish in the Jets’ offense with Rodgers’ deep ball accuracy. Especially with Wilson and Williams on the field simultaneously.
“I am the best wide receiver in this class,” Odunze said during the NFL Combine. “I just think my versatility sets me apart.
“I have shown all the skills that translate to the NFL at a high level. And I think who I am as a person, who I will be in a locker room, and who I will be on the field are all an A-plus.”
If the Jets do not select a receiver with the 10th overall pick, they will have an opportunity to find a playmaker on Day 2 of the draft. The receiver group in the 2024 draft class is arguably the best in the last decade.
Gang Green currently does not have a second-round pick. But if the Jets were to acquire one, players like Georgia’s Ladd McConkey, Oregon’s Troy Franklin, or Michigan’s Roman Wilson could be potential options.
McConkey has risen up draft boards after his performances at the Senior Bowl and during the NFL Combine, where he ran a 4.39 40-yard dash. He missed four games during the 2023 season due to a back injury.
McConkey is one of the best route runners in this year’s draft. Last season, he finished with 30 catches for 478 yards and two touchdowns for the Bulldogs.
At 6-foot-2, 176 pounds, Franklin is a taller receiver with good speed. He caught 81 passes for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Ducks in 2023.
Wilson helped Michigan win its first national championship since 1997 with his excellent route running and soft hands. He finished with 48 catches for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns.
After finishing 31st in yards (268.6) and 29th in points per game (15.8), the Jets clearly wanted to improve their offense. Although getting Rodgers back from a torn Achilles will help, another playmaker who can stretch the field and take pressure off Wilson and running back Breece Hall would also help.
