2013 NFL Draft: Jets, Bucs shake up the Draft with Revis Deal

Aug 26, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) during the second half of their game against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Jets 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Finally ironing out the deal that had been expected for over a month, the New York Jets send their talented corner Darrelle Revis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  The deal has been reported for the 13th overall pick in the draft as well as a 4th round conditional pick that could turn into a 3rd rounder in next year’s draft.

The Jets have opted to go into full rebuild mode as they try to get more fiscally sound and rebuild their talent base.  The cost for Revis combined with his contract headaches were not as attractive as the pickss being offered, so the Jets free up cap room and have the 9th and 13th overall picks in the draft.  The question is how they will use these picks.  They could opt to really load up the defense and give Rex Ryan more tools to put together a dominant defense, especially with the new hole created at corner but also at both inside and outside linebacker.  They could also try to play some offense this year and attack some of their needs on that side of the ball which could include quarterback.  In either scenario, GM John Izdik has put a lot of pressure on himself and his front office to make those picks count to make the Jets a better team going forward.

Revis is coming off an ACL injury but he is an elite corner that could be a game changer for the Buccaneers.  The Bucs have opted to put a substantial investment in their secondary with safety Mark Barron the 7th overall pick a year ago and safety Dashon Goldson coming in on a substantial free agent deal.  The Bucs have a great deal of potential and appear to be making what they hope is a push to not only make the playoffs but push for the Super Bowl.  If Revis can get back to playing the way he did before the injury, he is a substantial weapon against the Falcons twice per year with Julio Jones and Roddy White on the outside.  Not picking until the second round, the Bucs still have some holes to fill including tight end and getting a reliable nose guard, but if they can get a good year out of quarterback Josh Freeman, they could be in for a nice run.

Regardless of what Revis does in his time with the Buccaneers, this will be the deal and the move that the Jets front office are almost entirely judge.  If they can get the team back on track, they will likely be pointing out at this deal as a part of it.  If they are unable to capitalize on the opportunity, this will be another miss and people will ridicule the team as being those ‘same old Jets’.

The Bucs have announced they are a contender and will have the pressure of backing it up.  Make no mistake about it; they made this move to change the balance of power in the NFC South and are using this as a means to take over the division.  Many may not rank this team among the favorites but they are a great team on paper.  The problem is they need to prove it on the field.