Jets hold keys to 2021 NFL Draft in QB Sam Darnold
The New York Jets trade down and someone takes a quarterback
The Jets could also stick with Sam and trade away this pick, for quite a decent return. The second overall pick always holds value, but this year it may hold more than it did in recent years. For the simple fact, there are several top-end quarterbacks. In the top-15 picks, there could be as many as seven teams coming into the draft with a quarterback on their mind for their first-round pick.
Who could the Jets trade this pick to? Well, there are four teams who jump off the board Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers, and Washington Football Team. If the Jets do trade down, I wouldn’t expect them to take a look at Chicago or Washington’s offer seriously, unless there are multiple picks attached to it. That would be the second half of the first round where they already own a selection and a drop in talent.
But, the Broncos and Panthers both hold picks in the top-10, and the Jets could still end up with an elite player along with extra picks later in the draft. If they trade the pick to one of them that would leave two top quarterbacks left on the board as two go off the board in the first two picks. This would also change what happens when the Jets pick, as they would most likely look towards getting a wide receiver, or if they are high enough on him, Najee Harris out of Alabama at running back.
If they take a wide receiver it would most likely be Jaylen Waddle at those spots, or DeVonta Smith if he is still there, which right now is possible. Though just a few weeks ago we thought that wouldn’t be possible. You could also add in the thought of Kyle Pitts, the elite tight end out of Florida. While I think that might be a reach at the position, he has top-end talent. Trading down, I would not expect the Jets to take a look at offensive linemen. But, this pick could start a run on wide receivers or running backs if teams start to feel uneasy.
Next. Jets: 4 options with 23rd overall pick in 2021 NFL Draft (thanks Seahawks). dark
The draft is an ever-evolving ecosystem of teams trying to outthink other teams and get their guy. With a loaded draft and a team who has needs at every position, the Jets could be the most mysterious team in the entire draft. Not to mention, they have a second first-round pick as well from Seattle.