Note to Jets’ Fans: John Idzik Not Likely to Make Trade for Sammy Watkins on Draft Day

Jan 3, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half of the 2014 Orange Bowl college football game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Ever since the Orange Bowl, there has been a lot of talk about this young man pictured to the right. With good reason, no doubt. He came into the game as one of the highest ranked wide receivers in the draft, and then….his performance? Yeah, only 16 catches for 227 yards and two touchdowns. Who wouldn’t want this guy?

Certainly, a team with Santonio Holmes and Stephen Hill as its one-two “punch” on the outside would. I can just imagine Geno Smith salivating while watching the Orange Bowl the other night. The Jets also have a lot to work with as they will likely have 12 picks in the draft when you include compensatory picks.

However, hold the phone, as the Jets are not going to be able to pick this guy. That has nothing to do with his ability, clearly he has a ton. The reason it won’t happen is that it is not John Idzik’s way.

Remember what John talked about upon coming on board? He said that the Jets will use the draft as a “lifeline”. Think about that word for a minute, “lifeline”. When a “lifeline” is used on a game show, it is something used to save you. You continue on, because of this “lifeline”. When palm readers read your lifeline, whether you believe in it or not, they are reading how your life is going to turn out.

So John Idzik is talking about how the Jets are going to use the draft to save them. Is trading multiple picks in order to get one football player the way to do that? Not really. We have talked about how the best teams in the sport do it by drafting. The draft is the best way to replenish your team on a year by year basis. If the Jets trade any picks at all, they might trade one to move around in a particular round or another. No way that they move multiple picks.

It would even be possible if the wide receiver class was weak. It’s not. By all accounts, there are a ton of NFL ready wide receivers in this draft. A name that is often linked with the team is Marqise Lee. He is a guy, NFL ready, that many think will be available at number 18. Why wouldn’t the Jets stay at 18, get a playmaker, and keep their draft picks? Makes a lot more sense to me.

It’s nice to dream, but Watkins isn’t happening. It’s not John’s way.