2015 NFL Draft: How the New York Jets Could Move to Acquire Mariota or Winston

There has been a huge amount of talk from Jets fans in regards to the two top QB prospects in this year’s draft. Many are claiming the Jets need to sign one of these kids, and there is talk of the Jets trading up to get it done. The common denominator among fans arguing for such a move seems to be; that without a top QB talent, the Jets will once again find themselves at the bottom of the NFL next season.

The problem with this argument is that the Jets simply don’t have the picks to reach the #1 spot. The Jets currently own six picks in the draft (one goes to Seattle for Harvin). In all likelihood, the Jets would be looking at trading their number one and two this year, plus their first rounder in next year’s draft to even come close to the #1 pick. Far too high a price to pay for either of those two quarterbacks, Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston, in my opinion.

So, short of selling off a majority of their top-level picks in the next two seasons, the Jets will need to pass on Mariota and Winston. Yet fans are stilling claiming that at any cost, these two are worth the price! I disagree strongly with that evaluation, I don’t see either of these QB’s worth that much investment. Today I’d like to look at another option the Jets may consider if they truly covet one of these QB’s.

Let’s be real clear here, I am not proposing anything. I’m not saying the Jets should even consider it. This option is pretty far-fetched, and I don’t recommend they pursue it, but if the Jets decide they absolutely need to get one of these QB’s, it might become an option.

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Kyle Orton (18) throws a pass under pressure by New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) during the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

To acquire one of the top picks in this year’s draft, the Jets might consider trading Muhammad Wilkerson. Wilkerson is arguably the best player on the Jets roster. He’s a proven talent and is young enough to make him attractive to any trading partner the Jets may find.

While this idea will likely be a hated one among Jets fans, it isn’t like we haven’t seen it done before. John Idzik came on board just two years ago, and traded Darrelle Revis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In that trade the Jets acquired an additional first round pick (#13 overall) and a conditional pick in the following year’s draft. As we all know, the Jets went on to draft Dee Milliner and Sheldon Richardson in the first round.

It is very likely that Wilkerson holds even more value then Revis held. Wilkerson is still under contract with the Jets through 2015, but then is an unrestricted free agent. Like Revis before him, Wilkerson is seeking a monster contract from the Jets. Trading him would relieve the Jets from spending that kind of money on any one player, and provide them with the picks to improve the roster substantially.

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets nose tackle Damon Harrison (94) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets also have a number of other key personnel that are free agents this year. They will likely be looking to resign, Damon Harrison, David Harris, Bilal Powell, Nick Bellore, Leger Douzable and Kyle Wilson. Decisions will have to be made on guys like Jaiquawn Jarrett, Kenrick Ellis, Dawan Landry and Ben Ijalana as well.

Trading Wilkerson would likely bring the Jets another number one pick to go along with the six overall pick they already own. In addition, Wilkerson’s value might bring them a mid rounder this year, coupled with a conditional pick in next year’s draft.

If the new general manager and head coach are absolutely sold on one of these two QB’s, and decide they absolutely had to have one them, then the Wilkerson deal would provide the picks to get it done. Falling short of trading Wilkerson, I don’t see another way for the Jets to accomplish the goal of acquiring the #1 spot in the draft.