The pressure is mounting with the NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, less than a month away. Coaches, executives, and scouts continue to travel all over the country, visiting for pro days across college facilities. As time goes on, the top of the draft order becomes clearer, questions begin after the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants select. With two quarterbacks likely going between these three teams, an opportunity emerges for teams to capitalize. One team that could trade down in the draft is the New York Jets.
For a team like the Jets, it can be the chance to move down from the top ten and trade for a mid-first-round pick. With eight overall draft picks, the Jets regime can manage to gain more draft capital with a trade, similar to their trade with the Vikings in 2024. Amid a new regime, draft capital will be valuable. So, trading down could be the most beneficial long-term move for the Jets.
Moving Down? Jets Could Trade Out of the Top 10 Pick
The NFL Draft will provide the New York Jets with a lot of opportunities to improve. Through the first weeks of free agency, Mougey has done well to address certain needs. Through Justin Fields, the team will get younger & more athletic at quarterback. Added to the interior offensive line depth with Josh Myers. They’ve retained solo tackle leader Jamien Sherwood to stay next to Quincy Williams at linebacker. Replaced DJ Reed with Brandon Stephens at cornerback opposite of Sauce Gardner. However, there’s still work to be done.
More draft capital to address needs
As of now, New York still has major needs on offense. After losing Morgan Moses, starting right tackle is an issue. While Garrett Wilson is a superstar, the rest of the wide receiver room offers little upside outside of a potential Malachi Corley breakout. In addition, the tight end position is still left vacant after Tyler Conklin signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. Along with that, the team is still interested in a developmental quarterback behind Fields and Tyrod Taylor. When paired with the need for depth along the defensive line and secondary, it would be wise for the Jets to add more draft capital from a trade back.
Be better prepared for the 2026 NFL Draft
While many can hope for a Washington Commanders-esque quick turnaround, this rebuild from the Jets will take more than one season. Aaron Glenn wants to do this the right way with his first team. As a new head coach, Aaron Glenn is trying to build something sustainable. In 2026, the team won’t have their third-round pick. As you recall, New York traded their 2026th third-round draft pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Haason Reddick trade. A disaster of a deal for minimal production. It leaves New York with a single Day 2 pick next year. Thus, finding a trade partner willing to give up some extra long-term picks in exchange for the seventh pick would be beneficial to the Jets.
Potential trade partners during the Draft
So, who may be interested in acquiring the seventh pick from New York? A desirable spot for New York would be a team within the top 15 picks and one with multiple second or third-round picks. One option could be the Chicago Bears. While in Detroit, Bem Johnson helped orchestrate the Lions offensive success, which stemmed from the versatility in the running game. If Ashton Jeanty falls past the Raiders, Chicago could be tempted to trade up for him to help take pressure off of Caleb Williams.
Another possibility could be the San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco needs a plan in place to find Trent Williams’ long-term successor at left tackle. Also, with Colton McKivitz on the second to last year of his deal, a potential right tackle will be needed. One of Kelvin Banks, Will Campbell, or Armand Membou will be available between picks seven and 15. New York gaining some extra picks in exchange for the 49ers to move up for their player makes sense. Especially with the 49ers’ strong collection of compensatory picks.
Even further down, a team like the Seattle Seahawks could be tempted to make a trade. After acquiring a second and third-round draft pick from the DK Metcalf & Geno Smith trades, Seattle could opt to get aggressive. Although it would push them down to the 18th pick, New York can still improve their offense if they trade down that far. Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons would be a great addition to develop at right tackle. Also, Michigan tight end Colston Loveland would benefit the team. However, 18 would also be the perfect spot to select Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.
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