Breaking:GM claims that the Falcons sought to trade the Jets for the No. 10 choice in the 2024 NFL Draft
The New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons recently made headlines for their negotiations during the 2024 NFL Draft. The Jets revealed the behind-the-scenes footage of their draft room, which showed General Manager Joe Douglas and his staff discussing various trade scenarios. According to the video posted on the Jets’ YouTube channel, the Falcons inquired about trading up to the No. 8 and No. 10 picks. However, the Jets ultimately sent the No. 10 pick to the Minnesota Vikings.
The Falcons’ selection of former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 was surprising, as it left top pass catchers, offensive linemen, and pass rushers available at No. 10. The Bears picked Penix’s former teammate, wide receiver Rome Odunze, at No. 9, while the Jets acquired former Penn State offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu with the No. 11 pick.
The Jets’ move to trade back and still acquire Fashanu was part of their overall draft strategy. The team held plenty of strategic meetings to discuss potential scenarios for trading up or down. Douglas believed that Fashanu could be a dominant left tackle in the league, and the Jets were able to acquire him by making a small move backward.
The Jets-Vikings trade was the first of several first-round trades that occurred during the first day of the event. The Jets went on to trade the latter two picks they acquired in the Vikings trade, sending the fourth-round selection to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for two fifth-round picks. The Jets used the fifth-round selections on running back Isaiah Davis and cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers.
The Jets also made multiple trades during the draft to acquire additional picks in future years. They sent a fourth-round pick to the Detroit Lions in exchange for a third-round pick in 2025 and sent a fourth-round pick to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round selection. The Jets traded away both picks they acquired in that swap.
The Jets’ strategy of trading back and acquiring additional picks allowed them to draft a total of twelve players in the 2024 NFL Draft. Quarterback Jordan Travis, running back Braelon Allen, and defensive back Jaylen Key were among the notable players who joined the team.
The Falcons, meanwhile, traded with the Arizona Cardinals for the third pick of the second round and used that selection on defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro. They also picked pass rusher Bralen Trice in the third round and defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus in the fourth round and added linebacker J.D. Bertrand, running back Jase McClellan, wide receiver Casey Washington, and defensive tackle Zion Logue to their roster through the draft.
Fashanu’s role with the Jets is currently uncertain, as he may play a backup role early on behind Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses. However, Douglas has stated that Fashanu will also practice at other positions, indicating that the team sees his versatility as a valuable asset.
Overall, the behind-the-scenes footage of the Jets’ draft room and their multiple trades during the 2024 NFL Draft provided a fascinating look at the team’s draft strategy and decision-making process. While the Falcons’ selection of Penix Jr. at No. 8 was unexpected, both teams were able to acquire valuable players through the draft and add talent to their rosters for the upcoming season.
