New York Jets must not trade down in 2019 NFL Draft

The New York Jets need to fight the urge to trade their first round (third overall) pick in this week’s NFL Draft in Nashville, TN.

There is some speculation that the New York Jets want to trade down in the 2019 NFL Draft which begins Thursday in Nashville. Gang Green currently owns the third overall selection in the extravaganza and general manager Mike Maccagnan must fight the urge to trade down to secure more picks.

There is nothing wrong with trying to gain more draft capital, but Maccagnan has a golden opportunity here to select a very elite playmaker, something this team has not had in a long time. The last legitimate pass rusher that suited up for the green and white was John Abraham. His last season with New York was 2005. Enough said.

I would love for the Jets to own as many draft selections as possible, but they have a real opportunity now to grab one of the three elite defensive players: Nick Bosa, Josh Allen or Quinnen Williams. Bosa and Allen are premier pass rushers while Williams is highly touted as the best defensive tackle in the entire draft.

If Maccagnan trades down, he won’t get any of them. Teams win in the NFL with difference makers and when was the last time that Gang Green had a true difference maker on their roster? Fans have to harken back to the days of Revis Island, the time when Darrelle Revis starred as the finest cover cornerback in the league from 2007-11.

That’s a long time ago now. The Jets are dying for an elite performer along their defensive line. Let’s not forget that New York allowed 27.6 points per game, which ranked 29th in the league, in 2018. Wait, there are more dismal stats. Gang Green also finished 25th in the NFL in yards per game allowed (380.4). In addition to that, the Jets were tied for 16th in sacks (39) as well. Not good at all.

This is the time to add an excellent defender to the roster, a player, if he remains healthy, that has definite Pro Bowl potential. These opportunities don’t come along every day. Maccagnan has to make the right move by making no move at all.