The NY Jets have been getting calls about a Muhammad Wilkerson ahead of the NFL draft the team could consider a deal at the event, as New York could be targeting names like Leonard Williams, Dante Fowler, Marcus Mariota and Amari Cooper in the top 10 of the first round this year and Todd Bowles also could consider trading down.
The Jets have been an active team this offseason and both Bowles and Mike Maccagnan said that the team is considering all options with the number six pick. According to Rich Cimini at ESPN New York, the team likely will take Mariota if he falls to number six, but right now it looks like he will be going higher than that. Cimini reported that the Jets have visited with Leonard Williams and that could signal a willingness to make a deal with Wilkerson eventually.
According to Adam Schefter at ESPN.com, the Jets have had calls from at least two teams ahead of the draft to see what the availability of Wilkerson is. Wilkerson was a first round pick for the Jets in 2011 and he has not been to voluntary workouts this offseason. Wilkerson is set to make nearly $7 million this season and he did not sign a new deal after previously speaking with former GM John Idzik last season and now he could potentially be traded.
The jets like to keep the defensive line strong and if they go after someone like Williams, Fowler or Randy Gregory, they could look at trading Wilkerson for a pick or two. Wilkerson comes in after making six sacks last season and he had 10.5 the previous year and now he could be looking to get paid big. JPP with the Giants has the franchise tag and he is looking for big money as well, as Robert Quinn got $40 million guaranteed playing at the position.
Wilkerson has turned out to be a very good lineman and he could be a target for teams if the Jets look at drafting a replacement. The team may not want to dole out big money on the defensive line if they are targeting players like Williams or Fowler and they could consider making a move. The teams were not disclosed in the report, but if they come out, the article will be updated with those teams.
The Jets have visited with Amari Cooper and they have also met and worked out Mariota this offseason. The team would love for Mariota to fall to number six, but it's very unlikely he gets past number five, if he even makes it that far. Todd Bowles has said that the team will look into trading up, but Maccagnan also added that trading down is an option. Maccagnan puts a lot of value in the draft and that is one reason why the team may not move up to get Mariota, even if they really want him.
The Jets pick at number six and they could wait for the best available player, or they could trade down if the player they want is taken. The Jaguars reportedly want Amari Cooper and if Williams or Fowler are off the board at six, the team could make a move.
