How the Jets can get the most out of the 10th overall pick

The Jets currently possess the 10th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. With 2024 expected to be a make-or-break season for New York, GM Joe Douglas and HC Robert Saleh must consider how to get the most out of the selection. 

With the No. 10 overall pick, the Jets find themselves in a middle ground where they can easily trade up or down in the draft. 

Douglas has already shown a willingness to move up in the order when there's a player on the draft board that he likes. 

In 2021, the Jets traded the 23rd overall pick and two third-round picks to the Vikings in exchange for the 14th overall selection, which they used to acquire offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker. 

Then in 2022, New York sent a collection of picks to the Titans to climb back into the first round and select edge rusher Jermaine Johnson No. 26 overall.

The 2024 NFL Draft is filled with many "can't-miss" prospects, many of whom play quarterback. With North Carolina's Drake Maye, USC's Caleb Williams and LSU's Jayden Daniels expected to be selected in the first five picks, several players that fill positions of need for the Jets could drop to the 6-8 range. 

If Douglas grows fond of a specific prospect such as Penn State's Olumuyiwa Fashanu or Notre Dame's Joe Alt — both offensive linemen — he could move up to ensure he gets his guy.

If the Jets don't move up, they additionally find themselves in a prime spot to trade down and acquire more draft capital.

Following the Jets at 11, 12 and 13 overall in the draft are the Vikings, Broncos and Raiders, respectively. Each of these teams needs a quarterback and will likely be considering taking a signal-caller in the first round. 

Two or more of Washington's Michael Penix Jr., Oregon's Bo Nix and Michigan's J.J. McCarthy should be available at pick 10, perhaps prompting one of the aforementioned franchises to leapfrog the others and select a QB.

There's also a scenario in which the Jets don't draft at all in the first round.

The Jets have been linked to star wideout Davante Adams after inquiring about his availability ahead of this season's trade deadline. New York is expected to heavily pursue him again this offseason due to his strong connection with longtime quarterback Aaron Rodgers. 

Adams seemingly expressed his interest in coming to the Big Apple on X. The 31-year-old "liked" (then unliked) Jets punter Thomas Morstead's post announcing he was handing over the No. 5 jersey to wide receiver Garrett Wilson, thus making No. 17 — Adams' number — available.