When the New York Jets traded up to get the number three overall pick, the assumption was that they had their eyes set on the quarterback of the future. If not him, then someone else. However, according to Jets head coach Todd Bowles, the Jets do not have any one player in mind.
According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, they have their eyes on six or seven players.
#Jets coach Todd Bowles, at the annual coaches breakfast, said they traded up to No. 3 not with one player in mind but with 6-7 they believe they’ll have a chance at. Will zero in in a few weeks.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 27, 2018
To be fair, there is plenty of time left for the Jets to evaluate players. So, they could very well hone in on two or three in the days leading up to the draft. Otherwise, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to make the trade up in the first place.
If they are looking at six or seven guys, even in the worst-case scenario, they still have a couple of guys to choose from. They also have their second-round picks.
The smart play would have been to evaluate the guys they have their eyes on and decide on who they want with regards to where they'll likely be available. Then, if they think that player may be selected ahead of them, they make a trade. That way, if they only need to move up a spot or two, they don’t have to give up so many second-round picks.
Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan also left the door open to trading down. If that is an option, why did they trade up in the first place?
Hopefully this is a case of a head coach trying to throw the rest of the NFL off their scent. Otherwise, it sounds like Jets fans may want to temper their expectations for next season.
Follow Us
Subscribe