Jets need to trade down in first round of 2017 NFL Draft

The New York Jets are nowhere near being a contender next season as it’s best to trade down in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Last season, the New York Jets were a complete and utter disaster. They ended the season 5-11 and earned themselves the No. 6 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. It’s a top-ten pick that has a plethora of options the Jets can go in between now and the yearly event.

Do they go into this year’s draft with the best player available mentality? Should they get a top defensive back? Maybe go after a premier receiving threat to bolster their offense? In the grand scheme of things, it would be in the best interest of the Jets to trade down.

In an article written by Rich Cimini of ESPN, here’s what general manager Mike Maccagnan had to say about the No. 6 overall pick that’s in his pocket:

“We’re open for business in every round,” Maccagnan told reporters Friday at the scouting combine in Indianapolis. “If somebody wants to move up in any round and we have a pick in that round, call us up.”

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency
• NY Jets: Jonnu Smith would be a smart free-agent target

Needless to say, even Macaggnan knows that there will be plenty of teams interested in trading up to find an impact player to address their own needs. The Jets are nowhere near being a contending team come next season as they’re in full rebuild mode. Expect another tough, losing season for Gang Green in 2017 which is a big reason why they should trade down in this year’s draft.

The Jets could acquire additional draft picks and/or players to help address some pretty major needs across the team. They need to bolster their offensive line, defensive secondary, add some more pass rush, and honestly, it wouldn’t hurt to add some more playmakers on offense. Now, if the Jets were just a player or two away from competing for a Super Bowl championship, that’s a totally different story.

The truth of the matter is, they’re not. They’re essentially blowing everything up this offseason to get ready for 2018 and beyond as it takes time and patience to field a formidable team. To make that happen, the Jets need young players and as many draft picks as possible to improve the overall roster.

Next: Making the case to have a real QB competition on the Jets

Overall, the Jets shouldn’t use that No. 6 pick since they could get so much more in return by trading down. They aren’t going to magically win the AFC East division next season and are years away from doing anything worth mentioning. At least with more draft picks and/or players that could be developed over time, they’re setting themselves up for a brighter future.