The New York Jets trading from the sixth pick to the third pick in the NFL draft means they found a prospect they love. However, what does this mean for the rest of the draft?
The New York Jets sent their No. 6 overall pick, two second-round choices this year and their second-rounder in 2019 to the Indianapolis Colts. Moving up three spots in the draft doesn’t sound significant, but it has big implications for the other 31 teams.
It’s almost certain that the Jets will select a quarterback with their newly acquired pick. Even with the addition of Teddy Bridgewater and after re-signing Josh McCown, the Jets are desperate for a franchise quarterback. With that in mind, other teams in the top 10 will also have to seriously consider grabbing a quarterback sooner rather than later.
Now, with the Jets in line to turn their trade into a franchise-altering player, how does this impact the rest of the draft? Well, for starters the Cleveland Browns, who hold the No. 1 and No. 4 overall picks in the draft, are more inclined to select a quarterback with their first pick to ensure they don’t miss out on their guy.
The Browns may consider trading out of the No. 1 pick, but they will be cautious after trading their second pick with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016, missing out on Carson Wentz. If the Browns are inclined to keep their position, they seem to be leaning towards selecting USC’s Sam Darnold.
With the 1st overall pick in the 2018 @NFLDraft...
— NFL (@NFL) March 17, 2018
“I’d be surprised if the @Browns don't take Sam Darnold No. 1.” (via @MoveTheSticks) https://t.co/TjUoeusO7P
The New York Giants, who also have uncertainty at the quarterback position, now have a lot to think about with their draft pick. New York currently holds the second pick in the draft, which they may consider trading. The Buffalo Bills would be the most realistic contender in this scenario. The pressure is on the Bills, who may miss out on a top quarterback prospect if they wait until their pick at No. 12.
However, if the Giants hold on to their pick, they would also have to consider drafting a signal-caller. Drafting UCLA’s Josh Rosen would not only set them up for years to come but also slight the Jets, which is always in the Giants interest.
It’s been 19 years since QBs went 1-2-3 in the draft. In 1999, it went Tim Couch (Browns), Donovan McNabb (Eagles), Akili Smith (Bengals).
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 17, 2018
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Post-free agency 3 rounds
By the time the Denver Broncos are on the board at No. 5, three of the draft’s top prospects may already be selected. There are plenty of teams in the top-10 with needs at quarterback, so expect to see even more trades before April’s draft.