2013 NFL Draft: New York Jets Deal Darrelle Revis to Buccaneers

Aug 26, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) defends against Carolina Panthers wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu (19) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Signed, sealed, and officially delivered. Former New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis is now a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the teams agreed upon a trade that will send a first and conditional 2014 fourth round pick to the New York Jets.

Revis passed a physical in Tampa Bay, and signed a six-year, $96 million contract with zero money guaranteed. In addition to Revis’ incredible confidence in his ability to earn every cent of his contract, I think this trade worked out great for both parties. The Jets had no choice but to deal Revis, and the Buccaneers were one team among very few willing to take on his contract, ego, and injury history.

In the end, the Jets were able to score an additional first round pick in a very deep draft, and the rebuilding for Rex Ryan and John Idzik can begin. The Buccaneers have addressed the most gaping hole on their roster, and they’ve done so with arguably the best player in the league at that position.

**Updated 2013 NFL Draft Order**

This trade will make a huge impact on the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, and even more so with the reports that surfaced this afternoon of the Jets looking to trade down in the first round. They can still try to work a trade to move down, and I think that’s a great idea considering they need to stockpile picks and make this a high impact draft class.

The writing has been on the wall for Revis for quite some time. It was widely assumed that when he was injured last season, he had played his last down with the Jets, and that proved to be the case. I don’t think this necessarily means the Jets will take a cornerback in the first round, though.

Despite the fact that they will likely have the opportunity to take any of the top corners in this draft, the Jets have a vast array of needs and they have a very good top corner in Antonio Cromartie, along with former first round pick Kyle Wilson at the CB position. Where they are still really lacking is coming off the edge and rushing the passer.

This is one of the best groups of cornerbacks I’ve scouted in a long time, so the Jets can get a first round caliber player in the second round if they so choose, and trading down will allow them a ton of flexibility. They could very well be staring Dee Milliner and Xavier Rhodes in the face with their top selection, so that is a route they could go as well if they feel they need an immediate replacement for Revis.

**2013 NFL Mock Draft with Trades (including Revis to Bucs)**

I also really like this trade for the Buccaneers. They only had to surrender two selections for a top player at their position of greatest need, and only one pick in this year’s draft (#13 overall). Greg Schiano and the Bucs front office had a phenomenal first offseason, picking up three studs in Mark Barron, Doug Martin, and Lavonte David with their first three picks. They also signed Vincent Jackson who made a huge impact on their offense last season.

I think the Buccaneers will be even better this season. Another year under the belt for Josh Freeman, who is getting close to a new contract himself, and another year for the team to get acclimated to Schiano’s system could make the Bucs a very popular breakout team in 2013.

Their biggest needs remain on the defensive line, at tight end, and they still need more cornerbacks. Draft week is off to an exciting start, only a preview of what is to come in the next seven days.