The 2019 NFL Draft is less than a month away and the New York Jets are in prime position to make a splash. Holding the number three overall pick, the Jets are sitting in the heart of where teams may look to trade up for a quarterback. While the buzz surrounding Gang Green suggests the team thinks highly of Kentucky edge defender Josh Allen, their plans could change drastically if they receive an attractive trade offer from a quarterback-needy team. Operating under the assumption that Kyler Murray is selected first overall, let’s explore what some of these trades may look like, and how it can impact who is wearing green and white in 2019.
Possible New York Jets 2019 NFL Draft Trade-Back Scenarios
New York Giants
The Trade
Jets receive: 2019 first round pick (sixth overall), 2019 first round pick (17th overall), 2019 fifth round pick (142nd overall)
Giants receive: 2019 first round pick (third overall), linebacker Darron Lee
The Fallout
One of the more popular trades that have been suggested over the off-season, this deal is tricky for a couple of reasons. One is that picks six and 17 may be a bit too rich a price tag for the third pick on their own. While the Jets could normally use their leverage to get a team to bite at this deal, the fact that the other team is their cross-town rival Giants makes it a bit more difficult. Adding Lee should sweeten the deal enough that the Giants cannot decline. The Jets also manage to recoup a selection in the fifth round.
In this scenario, the Giants move up three spots in order to snag Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins. The Jets selections are not as clear. There is a decent chance in this scenario that the Jets are still able to nab Allen at the sixth pick. However, if he is selected prior to the Jets’ pick, the team may opt to solidify the offensive line with Alabama’s Jonah Williams. Williams is a polished tackle prospect who would be an immediate upgrade as an anchor. There is talk that he should kick inside to guard, but I believe he will remain at tackle in the NFL.
At pick 17, the Jets will have quite a few options, but the one that makes the most sense is NC State center, Garrett Bradbury. The biggest perceived misstep of the Jets off-season has been the failure to address the center position. Bradbury is the consensus top center in the class and would start immediately for New York. The only issue here is that after testing very well this off-season, a team could snatch up Bradbury before the Jets newly acquired selection.
Denver Broncos
The Trade
Jets Receive: 2019 first round pick (10th overall), 2019 second round pick (41st overall), 2020 first round pick
Broncos Receive: 2019 first round pick (third overall)
The Fallout
The price to move up for John Elway and the Denver Broncos would be substantial, but this deal is not impossible. Missouri’s Drew Lock is the prototypical Elway quarterback prospect and would be the selection in this scenario. Lock has helped himself this off-season, and there is buzz that Jon Gruden is infatuated with the Missouri prospect. This could prompt Elway and the Broncos to jump ahead of Oakland to select Lock.
This scenario puts the Jets in a great spot, as they receive a huge draft haul and remain in the top 10. At pick 10, a player that makes a lot of sense is LSU cornerback Greedy Williams. Williams is a fantastic cover corner with good length. He would fill the gaping hole at cornerback opposite Trumaine Johnson and would create a very scary secondary for opposing quarterbacks.
With their newly acquired second-round pick, the Jets could go in a variety of directions. One that makes a lot of sense is wide receiver. The 2019 receiver class is extremely deep and there will be a plethora of talented players available in the second round. The Jets very well may take a shot at finding a true number one target for Sam Darnold if they were able to a acquire a second-round selection. In this case, an appealing option is NC State receiver Kelvin Harmon. Harmon is a polished receiver who has tested in the middle of the pack athletically. Oftentimes, that is the recipe for finding value at the receiver position. Harmon would be a welcomed addition to the offense and could develop into the number one target for years to come.
Washington Redskins
The Trade
Jets Receive: 2019 first round pick (15th overall), 2020 first round pick, 2021 first round pick, 2019 third round pick (96th overall)
Redskins Receive: 2019 first round pick (3rd overall)
The Fallout
Dan Snyder has done it before, and in this scenario, he does it again. The Washington Redskins move up 12 spots and select their quarterback of the future. Whether that player is Lock or Haskins remains to be seen, but Schneider seems like he wouldn’t stray too far from the general consensus. If this is the case, Haskins would likely be the pick. Washington sends a draft haul similar to what they used to select Robert Griffin III in order to land Haskins. The move would be risky for Washington, but the Jets would be more than happy to oblige.
Acquiring three first round picks would be an unbelievable haul for Gang Green. While this deal is probably the least likely to happen, the Jets would be in a similar position as they would be if they were to trade with the Giants. Sitting in the middle of the first round, it is hard to imagine them taking anyone other than Bradbury, but for the sake of argument, there is another direction they could go.
The biggest need for Gang Green at this moment in time is likely edge defender. Jordan Jenkins showed promise in 2018, but he would likely be better suited as a compliment to a true stud on the edge. One player that could fit this need is Florida’s Jachai Polite. Polite has been a polarizing figure this off-season, as discussions about his personality and lack of conditioning have dominated the headlines. Still, Polite is an elite prospect who showed excellent drive and pass rushing ability on tape. He would be an immediate upgrade on the edge, and only the first piece of a huge draft day haul for the Jets.
Last Word
The New York Jets are well-positioned to land an impact player at number three overall. Should they look to trade back, Jets fans should remain encouraged that they can still land impact players at positions of need, while also acquiring large sums of draft capital. In less than a month, general manager Mike Maccagnan‘s plans should become clear.
