The New York Jets hold one of the most valuable picks in this year’s NFL draft, and it isn’t No. 2 or No. 16. It’s No. 33, the first selection of the second round.

Much of the attention has been centered around Gang Green’s two top 20 selections, and rightfully so. Those picks alone have the power to change the franchise’s trajectory entirely.

However, pick No. 33 remains quietly valuable.

It is the first selection of Day 2, and it comes with a massive advantage: time. While Round 1 moves quickly, teams have the entire following day to reset their boards, assess who unexpectedly slipped, and field trade calls.

That’s what makes No. 33 so valuable. Beyond a top prospect potentially slipping into your hands, having the first shot at the leftovers of Round 1 with a full day to prepare for it is precious.

The trade route is also enticing. As we have learned, Jets general manager Darren Mougey is never afraid to work the phones, having made 12 player trades since being hired as the team’s GM last January.

Trading the 33rd pick has become quite popular over the past few years. The selection has been dealt in three of the last four drafts.

Here is a look at each of those deals.

  • 2024: The Carolina Panthers traded No. 33 and No. 141 in exchange for No. 32
  • 2023: The Houston Texans traded No. 12, No. 33, 2024 first-round pick, 2024 third-round pick for No. 3 and No. 105
  • 2022: The Jacksonville Jaguars traded No. 33, 106, and 180 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for No. 27

That said, there are several different directions the Jets can take with the pick, and it largely hinges on how the board shakes out after Day 1. One name to watch closely is Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.

There are mixed opinions regarding the signal-caller. Some folks view him as the best QB in this year’s draft, while others don’t see him as a first-round talent.

If Simpson is still on the board at No. 33, which is a real possibility based on his No. 35 overall ranking on Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board, it would open up endless opportunities. Gang Green can select the signal-caller themselves or sit back and let other quarterback-needy teams come to them.

The 33rd overall pick has more value than many realize.