NY Jets-NFL draft: Analyzing the trade-up (for an elite weapon) option

The New York Jets can maximize their roster’s ceiling with an elite weapon

The New York Jets are widely expected to draft Brock Bowers with the No. 10 overall pick in the NFL draft (much to my chagrin).

The theory is that the Jets need another weapon, and Bowers would seemingly provide that. With Aaron Rodgers’ preference to release the ball quickly to the flat, it’s hard not to see the tight end as a seamless fit in the Jets’ offense.

However, what if Bowers isn’t a slam-dunk pick, and the Jets have the opportunity to trade up for one?

On the newest episode of “The Score Boord Podcast,” Joe Blewett joins the show to make the full case for the Jets to trade up for LSU receiver Malik Nabers.

Part of the argument is that the gap between Nabers and Allen Lazard is far wider than, say, Bowers and Lazard or a potential veteran swing tackle addition and J.C. Latham. In general, it’s about the ceiling of the Jets’ roster in 2024.

For those clamoring to take an offensive tackle—who are aghast at the thought of leaving the cupboard bare at that position—Blewett has an ironclad alternative.

For the Bowers lovers, Blewett has a solid response that does not negate the player’s potential but clearly explains why Nabers is the better option. He also addresses how the Jets’ coaching staff could enhance Nabers’ fit over Bowers’ or an offensive tackle’s.

Even for someone who’s been on the offensive tackle page as I have, I admit that Blewett’s argument is compelling.

Besides pounding the table for Nabers, Blewett also weighed in on many other Jets questions, such as:

• How the Jets would use Bowers if they drafted him
• Other underrated positions of need
• Why the Jets traded for Haason Reddick
• Expectations for the run defense in 2024
• Which cornerback he would prefer to extend if given a binary choice — D.J. Reed or Michael Carter II
• Whether Jamien Sherwood or Ashtyn Davis can fill the sub-linebacker role against heavier offensive packages

Check out the full episode on YouTube below:

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