The NY Jets may make a trade for Marcus Mariota in the NFL draft this year and it comes after rumors that the team was interested in trading for Philip Rivers and with the draft a month away, Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan could make moves, as the team has hosted free agent Stevan Ridley and also could look at a trade with the Buccaneers for Doug Martin.
The Jets have long been considered an option for Mariota and now the team could be in line to trade up for the quarterback after some comments head coach Todd Bowles made. According to the New York Post, Bowles said that the team wants competition and in a season-ticket holders conference call he said that the team will look at all options. New general manager Mike Maccagnan added to that, saying that six is a good spot to pick from, as they can move up or down if they want to.
The comments only fueled speculation that the team could try and move up for Mariota. The quarterback has gotten the most attention heading into the draft, as everyone expects the Buccaneers to take Jameis Winston number one overall. The Titans have the number two pick in the draft and while they have a void at QB, they may bypass the pick to trade it for a package of selections. The Titans need help everywhere and some have speculated they also could look at Leonard Williams, who is considered to be the best defensive player in the draft.
The Jets are not the only team interested in Mariota, as the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins as well as the San Diego Chargers have been mentioned as possible options.
The Jets also may look at other trades during or before the draft, as Rich Cimini at ESPN.com writes that Doug Martin could be a potential target. While the draft class is strong at RB, Martin's value is very low right now after being a first round pick and the Jets could be interested in checking in on him. The team has met with free agent Stevan Ridley, but a deal is not close to getting done. The team let go of Chris Johnson and they could look at Martin as an option after the Bucs shopped him at the trade deadline last season. He could be worth it if the team gives up a mid to late round pick over using an earlier pick on a running back.
The Jets are keeping their options open and they have also hosted wide receiver Amari Cooper for a visit. The Jets have the sixth pick in the draft and while Cooper is expected to be gone by then, the team is doing their homework. If Mariota is off the board and somehow Cooper gets to the Jets, the team likely will take him, as he should be a top four pick and that would be immense value for the Jets. The team needs playmakers and even after adding Brandon Marshall this offseason, a player like Cooper could be huge for the offense.