Jets Combine Rumors: Quarterback Class Could Change Conversation On Tackles
It's not even April yet and Day 1 of the 2024 Draft is becoming one of the craziest in recent memory.
That could be great news for a team like the New York Jets.
Most draft pundits understand that the quarterback position will be taken in each of the first three picks. The order may not be set, but it's a safe bet that Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Caleb Williams will be the first three names selected in April.
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What happens after is far more clouded. Teams like the Los Angeles Chargers have reportedly looked to trade out of the fifth overall pick, with others like the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans prepared to take an offensive weapon over offensive linemen.
Now, the Arizona Cardinals are also considering trading out of the fourth overall pick according to Athletic NFL reporter Diana Russini. League executives reportedly really like the play of Michigan's J.J. McCarthy, and a trade-up for the young signal-caller could be the plan for several QB-needy teams.
It's the quarterback class alone that could affect the Jets, and the tackle draft class more than anything else.
Should McCarthy go in the top five, skill players like Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, and Malik Nabers could all be taken shortly after. That leaves the likes of Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu in striking distance for the Jets to potentially make a viable trade-up for the top tackle in the entire class.
It's still unlikely that a player like Notre Dame's top tackle will fall within striking distance for New York - but it's not out of the realm of possibility. Organizations in desperate need of receivers and quarterbacks could look to use their draft capital early.
That could allow tackle-needy (or even cornerback-needy) teams to sit comfortably knowing the talented class could fall into their lap.
It'll still be difficult for the Jets to get him, but recent rumors at the Combine have opened the door to the possibility that top players like Alt or Fashanu could fall to them at the perfect point.
Either way, New York fans should be buckling up for a crazy month ahead.
