Scenarios to Watch for Tonight for the New York Jets

Sep 25, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum during the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

We are only a few hours away now from the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. It’s about time for trader Mike (Tannenbaum)and his team to go to work. Here are the scenarios that may happen tonight:

TRADE UP FOR TRENT RICHARDSON

This is a big year for the Tannenbaum regime. We know his reputation for trading up, as it has gotten him Revis and Sanchez. Mike loves to deal. The Jets want to get back to ground and pound, and they believe Richardson is the guy to do it. I think Mke will make a legitimate effort for the home run deal to move up to 3 or 4 and choose him. Stranger things have happened, but I believe the price will be just too high.

TRADE UP FOR MELVIN INGRAM

This is the much more likely scenario, as the Jets won’t have to move up quite as high. They would have to move into the top 10, but shouldn’t have to go any higher than number seven to do so. The Jets are very high on Ingram, Rex loves him. The Jets will try, and I believe have a great chance of succeeding in this move.

STAY AT 16, TAKE COURTNEY UPSHAW

If all trade attempts fail, I believe this si the scenario that will go down. The Jets like Upshaw, and he should be available to them at number 16. They could go Quinton Coples if he falls this far, as Rex personally worked him out at his pro day, but my hunch is that at 16, Upshaw will be the guy.

I just don’t buy the idea they will go safety or WR with this pick. The WR class is so deep they can get one later in the draft, and they certainly can go safety in the second round, as I expect Harrison Smith to be there for them.

We will have a post up later tonight to review the pick the Jets make, check back here between 10 and 11 PM to see our take.