New York Jets: Is a blockbuster draft day trade in the works?

The New York Jets are evaluating all options apparently that includes moving up to the No. 1 spot in the 2016 NFL Draft.

The Jets only have six draft picks heading into the draft, but they are looking to make a blockbuster move according to analyst Tony Pauline:

Here is what Tony Pauline said. #Jets pic.twitter.com/mVI9auCGes

— Mike Nash (@MikeNash15) April 8, 2016

General manager Mike Maccagnan is always doing his due diligence, but something about this seems different. According to the report, four teams have kicked the tires on the possibility of trading up to acquire the first overall pick.

Prior to the shocking D’Brickashaw Ferguson retirement news, it would seem the Jets would be moving up to take one of the top two quarterbacks in the draft. But now with the gaping hole at left tackle, you would have to think the Jets would be vying for the services of the number one prospect on nearly every big board, Laremy Tunsil. That’s even with the recent acquisition of offensive tackle Ryan Clady who has a history of being injury prone.

Jan 21, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets new general manager Mike Maccagnan speaks during a press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Titans’ general manager Jon Robinson shared his thoughts on the increased interest in the number one pick via Marc Sessler’s article on NFL.com:

“I would say that with each day we inch closer to the draft, the discussions probably become a little bit more serious, if you will,” Robinson said Wednesday, per the Tennessean. “That’s something we’re going back and forth with. Do we stay put with where we’re at, or do we really entertain the thought of moving?

“I would say the interest has increased some. I wouldn’t say there are 31 teams calling, but there are certainly teams that have interest in moving up.”

As discussed in any blockbuster trade, we here at The Jet Press have speculated over the last several weeks on this topic. Take a look at our most recent takes on it and if you notice a common theme:

More from The Jet Press

There seems to be a commonality among them all: Muhammad Wilkerson‘s inclusion in any potential deal.

This potential blockbuster with the Titans is no different, surely the Jets would offer Wilkerson and the 20th overall selection for the first overall pick and perhaps a mid-round pick. Though the Titans may not be interested in giving away anything beyond the top pick in the draft in this kind of trade.

The Jets are exploring every avenue to free up even more cap space by getting Wilkerson’s franchise tag off the books. Every single day Wilkerson goes without a contract, the more likely it seems that he’ll be moving on one way or another.

Getting back to this trade scenario, Maccagnan would much rather acquire draft picks than lose them but sitting there at No. 20, he’s most likely going to miss out on the top four offensive linemen available. To have a chance at the upper tier at the position, Maccagnan is going to have to trade up. Defense wins championships as the entire league knows the kind of impact player Wilkerson is and what he would bring to the table on any team’s defense.

More jets: Ferguson's retirement is actually good for the New York Jets

Go big or go home is what the mentality of the Jets would be with a win-now roster and acquiring a franchise left tackle that would go a long way in sustaining consistency on the offensive line for next season. The most intriguing question heading up to the draft is are the Jets bold enough to trade all the way up to the top of the draft? Only time will tell but something could very well be in the works between the Jets and Titans.

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