New York Jets should trade for No. 5 overall pick in NFL Draft

The New York Jets would be wise to trade up into the top-five of the 2016 NFL Draft in order to secure a top offensive lineman to bolster their major need this offseason.

There’s not doubt that the Jets should trade up with the Jacksonville Jaguars to the No. 5 spot in the upcoming draft.  They have many assets they could deal including a key one in proven defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson who wants to be paid among the best of the best at his position. The Jets have hit him with the franchise tag as he’s undoubtedly unhappy about his current contract situation and might be willing to be traded to a team bold enough to pay him handsomely for his services.

Related Story: Jets need to sign or trade Muhammad Wilkerson immediately

In the mega-deal that went down recently, then Rams traded the No. 15, 43, 45 and 76 this year and the first and third round picks next year to the Tennessee Titans for this year’s No. 1, 113 and 177 overall picks.  Considering the Jaguars also have a need on the defensive line, and they arent in the market for a quarterback, they should be willing to trade with the Jets in order to land Wilkerson which would make an immediate impact upon arrival.

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) chases Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) during the second half at MetLife Stadium.The Jets defeated the Dolphins 38-20. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

Many publications, including the New York Times, reported that Wilkerson was absent from the voluntary workouts held by the Jets as this was expected.  He wants a long-term deal and the Jets can’t give it to him.

Here’s a trade scenario the Jaguars should consider with the Jets that would benefit both teams:

Jaguars get:

Muhammad WilkersonNo. 51 overall pickNo. 83 overall pick

Jets get:No. 6 overall pick

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Fortunately for the Jets, this would be a win-win situation for them and the Jaguars.

The Jaguars need help on the defensive line and for the Jets, it can give them another first round pick, and they will, according to Over the Cap, go from $2,838,547 to $18,009,547 in salary cap space.

The Jaguars also have $53,746,852 in available cap space, which would afford them the time to work out a deal with Wilkerson.

The Jets could then draft one of the top offensive lineman with the No. 6 overall pick and focus on a pass rusher at No. 20.  Then, for the Jets fans who are worried about the Jets not re-signing Ryan Fitzpatrick, they can use their No. 118 overall pick on a quarterback, possibly Cardale Jones or Kevin Hogan.

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Overall, the Jets absolutely need to move up in this draft in order to fill their major needs.  The Jaguars are the only team in the top ten with the cap space and a defensive need to fill by trading for Wilkerson.  Moving up without trading the No. 20 pick would be great and this is the only scenario that exists in which makes logical sense for both teams involved.