The best-case scenario for the NY Jets in the 2024 NFL Draft

The NY Jets enter Thursday night's 2024 NFL Draft with needs all over the offensive side of the ball. They could go about this in an aggressive manner, which has my vote.

The AFC is an absolute gauntlet, especially when it comes to matching the firepower of offenses led by the likes of Pat Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson. Whatever the Jets can do to provide the easiest job imaginable to the returning Aaron Rodgers, they should be considering.

The Jets should be looking only at offense in the early rounds, addressing lesser defensive deficiencies on day three. Here is a realistic pathway for the Jets to make the best out of the picks they possess.

Round 1, No. 10, NY Jets: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Rome Odunze set Washington's single-season receiving record in 2023. In 15 games, the 21-year-old accrued 1,640 yards on 92 catches, adding 14 touchdowns.

He was a driving force in the rapid development of QB Michael Penix Jr. Odunze thrives at all levels of the field as a route runner, and is known for his incredible body control and contested catch ability. At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, the Washington wideout is about as perfectly built for the next level as it gets.

He'd have been the WR1 on plenty of draft boards last season, but just happens to be in the same class as LSU's Malik Nabers and Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. Odunze has been slowly falling towards the 8-10 range in recent mocks, and his O/U is currently slated at 8.5.

The Jets have a solid 1-2 connection with Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams, but they can add an immediate contributor with this pick, while also planning for the future in securing the first-team All-American.

Round 3, No. 72 overall, NY Jets: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston

Despite Patrick Paul recently coming out and virtually saying that we have no idea where he is going to go in the NFL Draft, I still imagine he might be available for the Jets here early in Round 3.

Paul started all four seasons at left tackle for the Cougars, earning himself first-team All-Big 12 (2023), and first-team All-AAC (2021, 2022) honors. The tackle stands at a mountainous 6-foot-7, weighing in at the combine at 331 pounds.

Paul is much better as a pass protector, with strides that still need to be made in terms of his run blocking. He is incredibly athletic for his size, clocking in a time of 5.13 in his 40-yard dash this winter in Indianapolis.

The Jets have no starting caliber tackles left on the roster after next season and can get a solid one here on Day 2.

Round 4, No. 111 overall, NY Jets: Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State

Having already addressed wide receiver and offensive line in this scenario, the Jets pivot to the other side of the ball here with their first of two fourth-round selections. Michael Hall Jr. is one of the most underrated players in this draft class.

He possesses an innate ability to be effective as both a bull rusher and a finesse player. Hall is 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, a unique frame when it comes to finding a fit on an NFL defensive line.

In his final season with the Buckeyes, Hall made tremendous strides as a pass rusher, accruing 26 pressures, 19 hurries, and two sacks. With the right coaching, and scheme to suit his play style, the Jets can make the Ohio State product a highly efficient member of this rotating defensive line going into the 2024 campaign.

Round 4, No. 134 overall (via BAL), NY Jets: Calen Bullock, S, USC

Whether Joe Douglas knows it or not, the Jets still could use some depth in the secondary at the safety position. New York currently rosters Chuck Clark, Ashtyn Davis, and Tony Adams at safety, and it is almost without question, the most concerning positional group on this stellar defense.

Calen Bullock was converted to the defensive side of the ball after spending the majority of his football career as a wide receiver. Bullock exhibits an incredible nose for the ball and is an exceptional tackler in the open field.

He nabbed five interceptions in his first season as the starter in 2022 and was one of the few bright spots on a USC defense that struggled mightily during his tenure. Bullock tended to play as a deep zone safety at the collegiate level, something the Jets could add to this still-developing secondary.

He'll need to improve as a run defender, but he has shown enough flashes as a ball-hawker to warrant a selection on day three.