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New York Jets: Trading up in 2018 NFL Draft makes sense in one case

By Michael Pallas

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 31: New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan stands on the sidelines during their preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on August 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 31: New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan stands on the sidelines during their preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on August 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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Apparently the New York Jets are willing to trade up, even to No. 1, in the 2018 NFL Draft, but it only makes sense given one way free agency plays out.

The New York Jets have several needs in the 2018 offseason. They need to completely overhaul the offensive line. There is also the need to get a No. 1 receiver, an edge rusher, a shutdown cornerback and a running back.

Finally, they need that franchise quarterback everyone is craving.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini is reporting of a potential match for the Jets and Cleveland to trade up.

"The Cleveland Browns say they’re open to trading down. The New York Jets say they’re open to trading up.A potential match?It’s way too early to say, but the general managers from the respective teams used their media platform at the NFL scouting combine to let everyone know they’re open for business."

Let’s say the Jets lose out on the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes, and it’s to (of all teams) the Cleveland Browns (who have the most cap space in 2018). Then, the Browns might be willing to part with the No. 1 overall pick. However, it would cost the Jets a lot to get it.

So, in order to do that, they will have to land at least three offensive linemen, a No. 1 receiver, and a shutdown corner (preferably Trumaine Johnson or Malcolm Butler). If they don’t land an edge rusher, they may believe that Lorenzo Mauldin still has pass rush ability, despite coming off a season-long injury.

If this scenario happens, it would be well worth it for the Jets to go up and risk their future on either Josh Rosen or Sam Darnold (not on any of the other top quarterbacks). A lot has to go right in free agency for that to happen, and first is for Cousins to end up in Cleveland.

Next: NFL Free Agency 2018: Dream target for each team

In this scenario, the Jets would also likely have to find a suitable replacement for the recently released Muhammad Wilkerson in free agency (likely Sheldon Richardson). Even still, it’s a long-shot for all of that to happen, but if it does, Jets fans will get their wish. They will land a true franchise quarterback in the 2018 NFL Draft.

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