Falcons tried to pull off stunning draft trade with NY Jets

The New York Jets could have traded down a lot further than one spot

Joe Douglas pulled off a first in the NFL draft during his New York Jets tenure: he traded down in the first round. According to Flight 24, the Jets’ newly released documentary chronicling the 2024 NFL draft, there was an opportunity for Douglas to trade down a lot further.

In the clip, Douglas initially discussed Atlanta’s No. 8 pick. He explained, “They are definitely picking, they said,” indicating that he expected edge defender Dallas Turner to be the selection.

Then he added, “They want to come back up to 10, so they want eight and 10.”

This is interesting: #Jets GM Joe Douglas says the #Falcons told him they are sticking and picking at No. 8 and then would also be interested in trading for the Jets' No. 10 pick….

So it seems like Atlanta wanted Michael Penix Jr. and then wanted to come back all the way back… pic.twitter.com/9LkhQPoG6E

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 1, 2024

Perhaps Douglas had the first inkling that Atlanta was about to shock the NFL world. After all, why did they want to try to trade up from the second round all the way to No. 10 if they had No. 8 in tow? Douglas mentioned something about another defender. Still, perhaps that’s why his face was so impassive when he heard the actual pick.

Ultimately, Atlanta selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 with the most polarizing pick of the draft. They then took defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro in the second round. The Jets said no to Atlanta, moving back one spot with Minnesota and then selecting left tackle Olu Fashanu at No. 11.

Still, Flight 24 gave a fascinating glimpse into the machinations of NFL teams during the draft. The Jets were involved in many trade talks, both up and down, culminating in their six trades during the draft. Their seven-pick haul included two of their top targets, Fashanu and third-round receiver Malachi Corley.