Could the New York Jets trade up in the 2022 NFL draft?
Senior Bowl week is a hot time for spicy rumors to travel around the National Football League.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler published an article on Saturday that rounded up some of the buzz that has made its way around Mobile. Included in Fowler’s notes is an interesting tidbit surrounding the New York Jets‘ potential plans for the NFL draft.
Fowler hints that some around the league view the Jets as a possible trade-up candidate.
“Teams are expecting plenty of trade attempts high in the draft,” Fowler writes. “With no clear-cut quarterback options in the top 10, several teams will want to move back — possibly even the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 1.”
Fowler continues, “A few execs will be watching the New York Jets closely, too. New York has four of the first 38 picks, including two in the top 10. They could flip those four selections into two or three premium players with a move up. GM Joe Douglas loves linemen, so that’s always in play, but the Jets also need help at tight end and in the secondary.”
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Jets general manager Joe Douglas favored trading down versus trading up over his first two drafts at the helm. Of his five draft-day trades, four were trade-downs and one was a trade-up.
Of course, the one trade-up was Douglas’ biggest draft-day move of all. That was his deal with the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2021 draft, when he traded a first-round pick and two third-round picks (23rd, 66th, and 88th overall) for a first-round pick and fourth-round pick (14th and 143rd overall) to move up and grab USC guard Alijah Vera-Tucker at No. 14.
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I cannot say this enough and at this point, I’m basically trying to will it into existence, but OL Ikem Ekwonu should be the pick at 4. He can play any line position except center, will be an upgrade at LT when Fant’s contract is done in 2023 and he should be an upgrade at RG this upcoming season. Becton, who was completely over-matched against Carl Lawson in training camp, might be better served as a RT where he’ll face lesser edge rushers. And given Lawson’s pedigree, he may still struggle. To this point in his career, he’s simply been lacking as a blindside protector and has not shown the requisite durability. I also question his discipline and would like to see greater dedication to his craft.
I’m beginning to agree with you. The more I look at this draft there isn’t a lot at #4 that really excites me. Adding a beast on the OL does excite me. It’s not “sexy” but it sure would help. If they had to stand pat in the first round adding Ekwonu and Wilson would make me very happy. I too think we know enough about Becton to realize he’s not reliable. I don’t think he ever will be.
If he trades up in this draft I’ll literally freak the freak out. With the needs we have at positions 2,3,4 and more deep with this years draft eligible players if he trades any pick it better be down. At least stay pat with the top 4. EDGE OL S TE. That should be our mantra. We could end up w the best edge and IOL if we stay at four and ten and the best TE could fall to us in R2.
Most experts believe this is a “weak” draft overall, I happen to agree with them (I’m not an expert). I just don’t see that many franchise changing players in this mix. Even the top players like Hutchinson aren’t the “usual” top overall talent. I’d be fine with trading up to get 2 or 3 impact players than have 6 guys that fill out the roster. I understand your point and have thought the same but the more I look a this thing, the team needs talent. I’m not sorry they traded two 3rd round picks for AVT. If they did the same for another player that shows the same type of promise I’m fine. Also, I see you want the top DE, OL, S, TE, I think their biggest need is WR. I would rather have Ja’Marr Chase and Nick Bosa than 4 picks. They have the ability to get two players like that in this draft (assuming they exist).
True. But it’s so early in the process. Combine, pro days, FA still to go. I trust JD and Saleh and if last year is any indication they work well together. While I want this I just don’t think we’re a coupe great Wideouts away. If Zach takes a big step maybe we win 8-9 games next year I’m guessing. I think by 2023 we’re a lot closer.
I agree we need more than a couple of great WR, but Zach needs one to take the big step. It changes everything. Buffalo had the top rated defense by every measure this season, and look what happened to them in the playoffs. NE had the 2nd rated D, and they got destroyed. I’ve come to realize they need to load up this offense first then move on to other things. This is year 2 of the rebuild, and I think building up the offense and getting the QB on track is the priority. I’d start at WR. Scoring 30 points a game will help the defense in a hurry. It will still leave needs for sure. They can deal with those next offseason and complete the puzzle.
Wouldn’t mind that. Hey my early thought was buy defense and draft offense. If we can get an edge safety and linebacker in FA I’m all for it. Take a linemen at 4 best receiver at 10 and reviver and TE in the 2nd.
That’s just it. they AREN’T in this draft.
I think so far its shaping up to be bottom of the 1st and top of 2nd is the strength of this draft. At least thats what i get from people who seem smarter than me. If thats truly the case, would rather trade down one of the top picks then maybe later trade back up for another 2nd. But who knows how itll fall. That would work for the WRs as well since theyre saying theres no top 10 wr talent this year but a bunch of lower 1st high 2nd talents. But like i said, i dont know, just regurgitating, lol
Thought the price for AVT was steep, but that was a great move by the Jets . 35 & 38 could in theory help the Jets move as high as 15. Nice players in that range.