The case for the Jets trading back in the 2017 NFL Draft

As the offseason progresses, the New York Jets have plenty of options heading into the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft. It would make sense in the grand scheme of things to consider trading back.

The New York Jets have a multitude of position issues going into the offseason. Which includes quarterback questions, cutting three starting offensive linemen, and the Jets aren’t in a win now mode. That’s why the Jets should trade their first round No. 6 overall pick and move back in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Why the Jets Should Trade Back

Last week, the Jets were awarded a 3rd round compensatory pick, which gives them seven total draft picks. With the No. 6 overall pick in this year’s draft, they could get a lot of extra picks for a team looking to trade up.

For instance, in 2016 the Cleveland Browns traded the No. 2 overall pick, and a fourth round pick, to the Philadelphia Eagles for the No. 8 overall pick, a 3rd and 4th round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, a 1st round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and a 2nd round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. The Browns got a ton for only moving back six picks. Then the Browns moved back again and traded with the Titans receiving more picks. With all the young playmakers in this year’s draft, there could be several teams willing to trade up with the Jets.

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A team like the Browns could trade up to the No. 6 overall pick with their 12th overall pick, that way they’d have two top six picks. Or a team like the Houston Texans could want quarterback Deshaun Watson and give up two firsts and or more for the No. 6 overall pick. In a year with two above average running backs, and many playmaking defensive secondary players, there could be many teams willing to move up in this draft. One surprise team could be the New York Giants who could draft a young quarterback to learn behind Eli Manning for a few years.

Why the Jets Should Stick With the No. 6 Pick

Of course, on the other side of the conversation, it’s easy to see why the majority believe the Jets should stick with their No. 6 overall first round pick. As mentioned before, the Jets have a ton of positional holes, including quarterback, offensive tackle, and the cornerback position, plus much more. The No. 6 overall pick could fix one of those positions almost immediately.

At the offensive tackle position, there are two guys the Jets could draft this early on, Ryan Ramczyk from Wisconsin or Cam Robinson from Alabama. Both are 6’6 and look like sure-fire contributors in their rookie seasons. The Jets need a good left tackle for the future so they can protect no matter who is at quarterback for the next decade.

If the Jets truly wanted to they could draft another quarterback this year, with Mitch Trubisky, Watson, DeShone Kizer, and Patrick Mahomes II, all potentially being available. The problem with all these guys is none of them are sure-fire hits, and the Jets still have Christian Hackenberg who they drafted in the 2nd Round of last year’s draft. It would be best that the Jets don’t go down this route, as without an above average offensive line, a rookie quarterback could struggle under those conditions.

Finally, the cornerback position is something the Jets need to discuss this offseason. The Jets need to select a cornerback at some point during this year’s draft. The cornerbacks worthy of the No. 6 pick are Marshon Lattimore out of Ohio State and Teez Tabor out of Florida.

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Tabor is more of a zone-coverage guy so it’s easy to see the Jets leaning toward Lattimore with the No. 6 pick. Lattimore’s lack of experience will force a team to be patient but his patience and athleticism remind some of a young Revis.

Final Decision

The Jets, if offered a great trade, should pass up on top prospects for more picks and build the roster for future seasons. With a tough schedule next year, a question mark at the quarterback position, and aging veterans, this is the best decision for the Jets. Imagine if the Jets received two firsts and more? That’s how you rebuild a franchise.

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