The Jets own the 29th pick in the NFL draft, but knowing Mike Tannenbaum, there's little chance they actually make that pick. Tannenbaum is a master of the draft-day trade, moving up to take Darrelle Revis, David Harris, Mark Sanchez, and Shonn Greene in recent years.
So will the Jets move up or down? Here's a look at some of the possibilities for Gang Green tonight.
If they trade up...
Safety Eric Berry would be the ultimate player for this defense, but the Jets would need to pull a Ditka to grab him. If the Jets want another safety, Earl Thomas and Taylor Mays are possibilities. Thomas is a complete player who will probably go in the top 15, while Mays's elite size-speed combination will go later in the first round. Jason Pierre-Paul, Brandon Graham, and Sergio Kindle are the elite pass rushers in the draft, and Mike Pettine and Rex Ryan would love to have someone who could terrorize quarterbacks. Defensive end Jared Odrick would be able to bookend Shaun Ellis, but trading up for a 3-4 defensive end is not too advisable the way Ryan runs the defense. Clemson runningback CJ Spiller is a possibility as he would be an explosive complement to Shonn Greene, but that would be a lot to invest in one position. It's also possible, though unlikely, the Jets move up for OG Mike Iupati or Maurkice Pouncey.
If they stay put...
The only players above who may last are Iupati, Mays, Kindle, or Odrick, and all are unlikely. USC's Everson Griffen could be an option as a pass rusher, but some question his ability to translate to a 3-4, and Jason Taylor's presence could limit his playing time. The best defensive linemen available could be guys like Linval Joseph, Terrence Cody, and LaMarr Houston. Rutgers cornerback Devin McCourty may seem unlikely given the trade for Antonio Cromartie earlier this offseason, but the Jets could always use more cover guys, and McCourty could be an immediate contributor on special teams. But none of these options are super appealing without trading down first and picking up a couple of picks.
If they trade down...
The value for most of the players above simply isn't there at 29, so it's likely Tannenbaum moves down to try to accumulate a few extra draft picks and ammunition for later in the draft. Joseph, the athletic defensive lineman from East Carolina, would be the ideal target, as it's imperative the Jets come out of this draft with a rotational lineman to go with Mike DeVito. Joseph, North Carolina's Cam Thomas, or Northwestern's Corey Wootton could be options. If the Jets choose to wait, they could opt for a defensive back like South Florida's Nate Allen, Virginia's Chris Cook, or Indiana's (PA) Akwasi Owusu-Ansah. Or they could take a pass rusher like Clemson's Ricky Sapp.
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