With just a few hours to go until the 2019 NFL draft gets started, let’s look at a few of the decisions facing Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan Thursday night:
1. Does he trade out of the No. 3 overall pick? That is one of the key questions not just for the Jets but for this entire draft. The Jets can really shake things up if they make a deal to trade out of three. The Jets have been fielding lots of calls about the pick and were optimistic on Wednesday that they could find a trade partner.
One source I spoke to said it is unlikely that they would trade all the way back to No. 15 where the Redskins are. Washington is looking to move into the top 10 to take a quarterback, but the Jets are reluctant to drop all the way to 15. It would have to be an overwhelming package to motivate the Jets to drop that far.
2. If the Jets stay at No. 3, I still believe the pick is Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Maccagnan likes to minimize risk and Williams is the safest pick in this draft. Some people consider him the top overall player in the draft. If he’s not No. 1, then he is considered No. 2 behind Nick Bosa. There are very few questions about Williams. He could make an immediate impact for the Jets.
3. What if things do not go as planned? We have all assumed for weeks that Kyler Murray will be the No. 1 pick to the Cardinals. Reports on Thursday afternoon said the Cardinals are still not telling anyone who they are taking and have reached out to Williams to tell him he still could be the pick. If Williams goes No. 1 and the 49ers take Bosa, then the trade market may really heat up for the Jets. Murray is a player that could get teams interested in giving the Jets a lot to move up.
4. The other scenario that would be interesting is if Bosa falls to No. 3. I spoke to someone who told me there is no way he is not taken by the 49ers. But this is the draft and there are always surprises. If Bosa drops to three, I don’t think the Jets can pass on him. He is an elite edge rusher. There are durability questions about him, but I think he’s worth the risk.
