During the 2024 NFL offseason, the New York Jets were on the lookout for a receiver to complement Garrett Wilson. They had their sights set on then-Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy as a top candidate for the role, as reported by The Athletic. Jets’ general manager at the time, Joe Douglas, was close to finalizing a trade to bring Jeudy, a 2020 first-round pick, to New York. However, Jets owner Woody Johnson intervened and called off the deal, much to the surprise of Denver’s front office, as reported by The Athletic. Johnson’s reasoning for halting the trade was reportedly due to Jeudy’s player rating in the “Madden NFL” video game not meeting his expectations, according to sources within the league. Consequently, the Broncos ended up trading Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns.
This decision was not an isolated incident, as Johnson apparently referenced “Madden” ratings when assessing players on multiple occasions. For instance, he had doubts about the Jets signing guard John Simpson in the same offseason due to his low “awareness” rating in the game.
Following the failed Jeudy trade, the Jets made veteran receiver Mike Williams their key offseason acquisition on a one-year deal as he recovered from a torn ACL injury. Additionally, they drafted Malachi Corley from Western Kentucky in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft. However, neither player made a significant impact for the Jets. Williams faced criticism from quarterback Aaron Rodgers before being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Corley had limited playing time with only five touches by Week 15, including a memorable 18-yard run marred by a fumble at the goal line.
Struggling with their receiver corps, the Jets later acquired Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders before the NFL trade deadline. Adams’ presence has provided stability, contributing 49 catches, 651 yards, and five touchdowns in eight games since reuniting with Rodgers. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain if the 32-year-old will have a long-term future with the Jets.
Meanwhile, Jeudy thrived with the Browns, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards despite challenges at quarterback. His impressive performance included ranking fifth in the NFL with 1,052 receiving yards by Week 16, acquired by the Browns for just fifth- and sixth-round picks in the 2024 draft.
Ultimately, the failed Jeudy trade added to the Jets’ tumultuous 2024 season, marked by coaching changes, executive turnover, and a playoff drought extending to 14 seasons.
At the beginning of Day 3, the Denver Broncos made a strategic move by selecting wide receiver Troy Franklin as the 102nd overall pick. This decision was part of a larger plan that also involved acquiring former New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson and the penultimate pick in the 2024 draft, which was used to secure interior offensive lineman Nick Gargiulo.
According to a report by The Athletic, the Jets agreed to give the Broncos the 256th pick instead of the 257th pick in the Wilson trade. This seemingly minor adjustment was driven by Jets owner Woody Johnson’s desire to possess the final pick in the draft, known as “Mr. Irrelevant,” in 2024.
The motivation behind Johnson’s insistence on this change sheds light on the intricate dynamics at play in NFL draft negotiations. This move not only altered the draft order but also underscored the importance of every pick and the strategies teams employ to maximize their chances of success.
The decision-making process in the NFL draft is a delicate dance of talent evaluation, team needs assessment, and future planning. Each pick carries weight and can have a ripple effect on the trajectory of a team’s season and beyond. In this case, the Broncos and Jets engaged in a calculated exchange that had implications beyond the immediate selections made on Day 3.
The machinations of draft day trades and selections offer a glimpse into the high-stakes world of professional football. Teams jockey for position, negotiate deals, and ultimately make decisions that they believe will position them for success in the upcoming season and beyond. The Broncos’ move to secure Franklin, Wilson, and Gargiulo demonstrates their commitment to building a competitive roster that can contend for championships.
Similarly, the Jets’ decision to part ways with Wilson and the 256th pick in exchange for the 257th pick speaks to their own strategic objectives and long-term vision for the franchise. Johnson’s desire to secure the Mr. Irrelevant selection in 2024 may seem like a minor detail, but in the context of the larger draft landscape, it represents a calculated move with potential implications for the team’s future success.
As fans and analysts dissect the implications of each draft pick and trade, they are privy to a complex web of decisions that shape the NFL landscape. The chess match of the draft is not simply about selecting the best available player but also about leveraging assets, anticipating future needs, and positioning oneself for sustained success.
The ripple effect of the Broncos’ and Jets’ draft day maneuvers will not be fully realized until the players they selected take the field and begin competing at the highest level. Only then will the true impact of these decisions be known, as teams strive to maximize the potential of their rosters and position themselves for a shot at glory in the NFL.
In the grand scheme of things, the minutiae of draft day trades and selections may seem inconsequential to the casual observer.
