With Matt Slauson’s exit, the Jets could be interested in drafting a top offensive lineman.
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The Jets might not be done wheeling and dealing yet, with the NFL Draft now less than three days away.
Just a day after they traded star cornerback Darrelle Revis to the Buccaneers for the No. 13 pick in the draft, the Jets might be looking to move back in a draft short on top talent but one that is relatively deep. The Jets’ original pick in the draft at No. 9 could be targeted by teams looking to move up, according to one team source familiar with the Jets’ thought process heading into the draft.
The source spoke on the condition of anonymity because he cannot publicly comment on personnel decisions.
“Now with the trade for Revis giving the Jets another pick in the top half of the first round, that ninth pick has emerged as somewhat of a luxury for the team,” the source said. “The Jets were always open to moving back later in the first round even before this trade. Now, they can do that and accumulate more picks.”
On Monday afternoon, reports surfaced the 49ers were looking to move up in the draft and the Jets, with two first-round picks, could be a possible trading partner, the source said. Certainly with the number of picks the 49ers have — as of now they have 13 selections in the draft — Jets general manager John Idzik could be interested.
“There isn’t an incredible difference in this draft between someone you can take in the Top 10 picks or a little later in the first round,” the source said. “The Jets can move back, accumulate a later pick or two and add immediate depth to their team rather than just one impact player. Remember, the Jets have three or four needs on either side of the ball. Trading back for more picks wouldn’t be the worst thing.”
Most mock drafts have the Jets going after an outside linebacker or a wide receiver with their first selection in the first round with some speculation that a quarterback could be targeted. The source said the Jets might go a surprising direction.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see a guard taken,” the source said. “There is a need there with Matt [Slauson] leaving for the Bears. Either [Chance] Warmack or Jonathan Cooper, who is also high on the draft board, would solidify that position. If they can protect Mark Sanchez and get the running game going, then a lot of other pieces fall into place. Essentially, taking a guard might mask the deficiencies on offense. It may not be a splash pick, but Idzik isn’t a splash GM.”
Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer.
