Apr 26, 2013; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets first round selection cornerback Dee Milliner is introduced to the media at the New York Jets Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

1. First round, 9th overall: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

I think this was a really good start to the draft for the Jets. They have needs all over the place, but you just traded your best player to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so it makes sense to go and get the best player at the same position right away. Milliner is a guy with great size and speed, who actually has drawn a few comparisons to Revis. He’s not as good a corner prospect as some of the guys who have come out in recent years like Joe Haden or Patrick Peterson, but I feel like this is a kid with a ton of potential who can have an impact on the Jets right away. I think they are close to moving on from the Kyle Wilson experiment, but he will get a chance to prove himself again this year with Revis gone for good. Milliner gives the Jets a guy with versatility in his cover skills, and he is a willing tackler. Coming from Alabama, I really like this player and I had him ranked seventh overall on my final board. I think he can be an absolute stud in this league.

Jan 8, 2013; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan reviews the 2012 season and address changes for 2013 at the New York Jets Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

According to Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com, the New York Jets are interested in trading down in the first round after acquiring the 13th overall pick from Tampa Bay in the Darrelle Revis trade.

This was pretty widely expected and actually reported on Sunday as well. The Jets have a ton of holes to fill all over their roster, and they are in complete rebuilding mode. I think they will be able to pretty easily trade this pick as well. Here are some potential trade partners that could be willing to jump into the top 13 of the draft.

1. San Francisco 49ers

The Niners have the exact opposite problem of the Jets. They have TOO MANY selections this year, and not nearly enough roster space to accommodate all those picks. They are also reportedly interested in trading up to the top 15, not necessarily the top 10. I think the 49ers would love to get a guy like Kenny Vaccaro to play safety and replace Dashon Goldson, or perhaps they’d move up and get a stud defensive lineman like Star Lotulelei.

They could also be on the hunt for a darkhorse position. What about rush linebacker? Of course, the 49ers have arguably the best group of LBs in the NFL with Aldon Smith, Patrick Willis, Navorro Bowman, and Ahmad Brooks, but they may feel like a pass rusher in this draft is an upgrade opposite Aldon Smith over Brooks.

If Aldon Smith goes down, the Niners have virtually zero depth in the pass rush department, and I think they’d love to add some talent to that area of the team while draft picks are in surplus. They could look to trade up for a guy like Barkevious Mingo, Dion Jordan (not likely), Ezekiel Ansah, Jarvis Jones, Bjoern Werner, or Tank Carradine. I love the fit of Jarvis Jones in San Francisco, but we’ll see there.

The 49ers could also look to add another playmaker on the offensive side of the ball. What about Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert? They lost Delanie Walker to the Tennessee Titans, and their depth at the position is thin behind Vernon Davis. I’m not saying trade up this high for a backup, but Eifert has the potential to be a nightmare for opposing teams in this offense.

2. Atlanta Falcons

There have been reports that the Falcons are looking to deal into the top ten, presumably for a pass rusher or cornerback. The Falcons have some major weaknesses at those two positions specifically, and they have been rumored to be high on Dion Jordan and Dee Milliner. I think there’s a decent chance Milliner is still on the board, but I don’t see Jordan being available with either of the Jets’ first round picks. If he was, they’d probably think twice about trading it.

The Falcons may be in line to trade up and get a guy like Dee Milliner or Xavier Rhodes, or perhaps D.J. Hayden, one of the hottest names out there right now.

Depending what goes on in the top eight picks, I could see the Falcons trading up to get Ziggy Ansah, one of the players with the most upside in this draft. Ansah is a freakish athlete who can rush the quarterback, but he’s really raw. He could be what the Falcons see as a missing piece to their Super Bowl puzzle.

3. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have two first round picks, and were reportedly interested in West Virginia WR Tavon Austin. They will have no shot at Austin if they stay put at 23 and 25. I don’t think they would give up both first rounders to move into one of the Jets’ spots, but they could be willing to give up their 2nd round pick as well as some picks next year.

Minnesota traded a guy in Percy Harvin who they considered to be an MVP candidate before he got hurt last season. That move is going to hurt more than they know. I think adding Austin, a guy who can light it up from anywhere on the field and rack up yards after the catch. They could be seriously interested in moving up ahead of St. Louis to snatch Austin up.

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.

Oct 20, 2012; College Station, TX, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) in action against the Texas A

You know you had a bad year when your season is defined by a play called, “The Butt Fumble,” but alas, I give you the New York Jets. The Jets put a huge vote of confidence in head coach Rex Ryan by bringing him back when many figured he was one of the biggest locks to be fired this offseason among NFL coaches.

This is a Jets team facing a ton of turnover this year. They’ve got to be cooling off on Mark Sanchcez as the team’s franchise quarterback, and Tim Tebow obviously isn’t the answer there either. Leading rusher Shonn Greene was let go, and the Jets are going to see a huge makeover on the defensive side of the ball as well.

To say this team will look different next year is a major understatement, but despite their deficiencies, the Jets showed last year that they can be a tough out in a lot of games, so there’s some foundation there. Here is a mock draft over the first four rounds that I think could really help the Jets.

1. First Round, 9th overall: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU

The Jets let go of Bryan Thomas and Calvin Pace, and have no pass rush returning from a year ago at the OLB position. They brought in specialist Antwan Barnes, formerly of the Ravens and Chargers, but he’s hardly a permanent replacement. I think the most likely spot for the Jets in the first round is the rush linebacker position, and Mingo is a great option. He is the kind of player who has speed off the edge, and he can make plays in the backfield. I think he may have some of the best pass rush potential of anyone in this class, and he should work really well with Rex Ryan even though he is a bit slimmer than preferred.

2. Second Round, 39th overall: Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford

Unless the Jets trade up, they are going to miss out on the first tier of quarterbacks. With guys like Tyler Bray and Tyler Wilson likely to be available after the second round, the Jets will focus on adding playmakers to an offense that is in desperate need of them. Zach Ertz is a red zone nightmare, and since the Jets lost Dustin Keller this offseason, they are going to need to add some weapons for Mark Sanchez, Greg McElroy, David Garrard, or whatever young QB they bring in. Ertz is a very solid pickup at this point, I think.

3. Third Round, 72nd overall: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

The Jets’ quarterback situation is a shambles. They called David Garrard out of retirement, and absolutely have no solution at this position long-term. I think Mark Sanchez is a serviceable starter but when the Jets started asking him to put the team on his back, you saw exactly what happened. I think in the third round, Landry Jones has as much upside as any other QB. He was once considered a contender for the number one pick, and after all his flaws were exposed as a starter over the last three years, Jones has dropped considerably. I still think he is a guy who can light it up passing the ball, and with the right coaching, he could flourish in the NFL. This would be a very good pick, in my opinion, and I would think Jones could contend for the starting job as soon as mid-season if Sanchez struggles again.

4. Fourth Round, 106th overall: D.J. Swearinger, S, South Carolina

LaRon Landry was a very good pickup for the Jets, but his time in New York was very short-lived. He has moved on to Indianapolis, so the Colts now have a need at safety with their two 2012 late-round picks in Josh Bush and Antonio Allen. Swearinger is a second or third round graded player who falls to the fourth round because of the overall depth of this draft. The Jets could use a higher pick on a safety, but I think Swearinger here would be great value.

October 17, 2011; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) intercepts a pass intended for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall (not pictured) and returns it for a touchdown during the first half at the New Meadowlands Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

It was reported by Pro Football Talk on Tuesday that the New York Jets could trade Darrelle Revis a week or so before the 2013 NFL Draft. Now, it seems as though the process will or could be moved along much more quickly.

According to the NY Daily News, the Jets are done with Revis Island.

“He’s gone,” a source familiar with the situation said Tuesday. “This is happening. They’re moving him. They can’t keep him. They’re rebuilding. They’re starting fresh.”

The Daily News also reports that two or three “legitimate buyers” are prepared to offer the Jets a deal for their star cornerback, and are also prepared to offer him a new contract. The two teams mentioned of the potential three are the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers, the two teams who battled for the right to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl last season.

The Niners have 12 tradable draft picks this year, and 15 in all with compensatory picks (likely) coming. The Falcons are rumored suitors, don’t have nearly as many picks, but they just released Dunta Robinson and with Brent Grimes hitting free agency, they could have a huge void at the cornerback position. The third team is unknown per the Daily News report, but I have a feeling it’s an AFC contender.

It seems like the only team who has universally expressed interest in acquiring Revis is San Francisco, while any other team is merely rumored at this point. Still, the one big hangup for a Revis trade is not only giving up a bounty of picks, but giving Revis a new contract. According to the report, that’s not going to be a problem.

“Sources told The News that a few shoppers for the cornerback have already made it clear that they are willing to dole out draft choices and set the parameters for a long-term deal with the Revis camp to get arguably the best defensive player in the NFL.”

This year’s class of players at the cornerback position in both free agency and the 2013 NFL Draft is very, very strong, so if the Jets want to get the most they can get for Revis, they are going to probably have to get him shipped out of there sometime in the next couple of weeks.

One thing is nearly for certain: Darrelle Revis has played his last game with the New York Jets, and they are about to go into full rebuilding mode.

Nov 26, 2011; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Dee Milliner (28) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Tide defeated the Tigers 42-14. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 201

Position Rank: 1

Drafted By: New York Jets (1st round, 9th overall)

40 Yard Dash: 4.37

Bench Press: DNP

Vertical Jump: 36″

Broad Jump: 122″

2012 Statistics

Career Highlights (via Alabama athletics site)

• Unanimous first team All-American
• First team All-SEC
• Finalist for Bronko Nagurski Trophy (defensive player of the year)
• Finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (nation’s top defensive back)
• His 34 career pass breakups are tied for second nationally, among active players

2012 (JUNIOR): Veteran cornerback who has fashioned an outstanding junior season, earning unanimous first team All-America and All-SEC honors … collected the 2012 first team All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), the Football Writers of America (FWAA), the Walter Camp Foundation, the Associated Press, Sporting News and Sports Illustrated … was one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation’s top defensive back) and one of three for the Jim Thorpe Award (nation’s top defensive back) … also a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award (top defensive player) … team’s top cornerback in 2012, starting 12 games and totaling 51 tackles with two interceptions and 18 pass breakups … also has 4.0 tackles for loss (19 yards) and 1.5 sacks (11 yards) … the 18 pass breakups are a career best and rank third on Alabama’s single-season list … his 34 career pass breakups rank second in school history and are tied for second nationally among active players … tied for third nationally, while leading the SEC with 1.67 passes defended per game (18 pass breakups plus two interceptions) … twice has totaled four pass breakups in a game (Michigan and Mississippi) plus three at Missouri … four-time defensive player of the week by the Alabama coaches (Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee) … missed the Western Kentucky game due to injury. Michigan:Selected as the Walter Camp, Bednarik, Thorpe and national player of the week (also SEC top defender for the week) after his performance against the No. 8 Wolverines with five tackles, four pass breakups and a 35-yard interception return. Western Kentucky: Was available but held out of the WKU game as a precaution after a slight groin strain in practice. Arkansas: Recorded two tackles and broke up a pass in the shutout victory … helped hold the Razorbacks to 79 yards passing. Florida Atlantic: Made three tackles against the Owls with two solo stops … part of the Tide’s starting unit that allowed only 35 yards of offense to the Owls in three quarters of action. Mississippi: Defended five passes, with four breakups and one interception … also made three solo tackles and four total stops with half of a sack. Missouri: Broke up three Tiger passes and made four tackles … had three solo stops and one tackle for loss (three yards) … forced one fumble and helped limit the Tigers to 126 yards through the air. Tennessee: Earned Alabama defensive player of the Week honors for the second straight game … had five tackles with four solo stops … broke up one Tyler Bray pass.Mississippi State: Registered three solo tackles … blocked a first field goal for the first time in his Alabama career on the Bulldogs first drive of the game. LSU:Made a season-high eight tackles, with five solo stops … recorded the first solo sack of his career, dropping the Tigers quarterback for a loss of nine yards … matched a career-high with two tackles for loss (-14 yards). Texas A&M:Recorded a career-best 10 tackles, with four solo stops against the Aggies … broke up a pass and was credited with half of a tackle for loss. Western Carolina: Had one solo tackle in the Tide’s 49-0 shutout of the Catamounts … started but was removed along with most of the starters midway through the second quarter. Auburn: Made two tackles and returned a fumble 17 yards in the 49-0 Iron Bowl shutout of Auburn … recorded two pass breakups. Georgia: His play on the defensive side of the football was a key factor in the Tide’s 32-28 victory over the Bulldogs during the dramatic SEC Championship Game … broke up two passes and made four tackles, including three solo stops … had an interception overturned on Georgia’s final drive.

2011 (SOPHOMORE): Milliner was the Crimson Tide’s third cornerback in 2011, starting six games and seeing action in all 13 … started in all nickel or dime situations … played on the outside with DeQuan Menzie moving inside to the `star’ … finished with 27 tackles on the season, including 14 solo stops and one tackle for loss (-7 yards) … second on the team with nine pass breakups while leading the team with three interceptions that he returned for 72 yards … returned his third interception of the season against Auburn for 35 yards and a touchdown to seal the victory … finished tied for 55th nationally with 0.92 passes defended per game … also a standout on special teams, starting on the kickoff coverage team … had eight solo tackles on special teams … returned one punt for 21 yards … was the UA coaches’ Special Teams Player of the Week following the Kent State game and a Defensive Player of the Week following the Auburn win. Kent State: Made four assisted tackles while helping the Crimson Tide defense limit the Golden Flashes to 90 total yards … also broke up a pass. Penn State: Broke up a career best three passes in the Tide’s 27-11 win at the No. 23 Nittany Lions … had two solo tackles and an assist … returned his first career punt for 21 yards. North Texas: Registered four tackles with two solo stops … broke up two more passes as the Mean Green managed just 101 yards through the air. Arkansas: Had two tackles with one solo stop … intercepted his first pass of the season … had one tackle for loss of seven yards, blowing up Joe Adams on a reverse. Florida: Did not start but played extensively and made one solo tackle. Vanderbilt: Picked off his second pass of the season in the fourth quarter and returned it 37 yards to setup an Alabama touchdown.Mississippi: Made two tackles with two solo stops and one on special teams … did not start but played in all nickel and dime situtations.Tennessee: Started and made two tackles and broke up a pass as the Tide allowed just 63 yards through the air and kept the Vols out of the end zone. LSU: Played but did not reocrd any statistics in a loss to the No. 1 Tigers. Mississippi State: Came off the bench in nickle and dime situations … had one tackle on special teams. Georgia Southern: Came off the bench to make one solo tackle. Auburn: Earned Alabama Defensive Player of the Week honors for his Iron Bowl performance … intercepted his third pass of the season early in the fourth quarter and returned it 35 yards for a game-clinching score … made a season-high six tackles with four solo stops … helped limit the Tigers to just 140 total yards … AU had just 44 yards — 25 rushing — through three quarters and gained the rest after the Tide had already locked up the win in the fourth quarter. LSU (BCS National Championship Game): Came off the bench as the nickel back … made one tackle on special teams.

2010 (FRESHMAN): He played in all 13 games and earned 11 starts as a true freshman … garnered first-team Freshman All-America honors from CollegeFootballNews.com … earned freshman All-SEC honors … totaled 55 tackles, including 41 solo stops … broke up seven passes, forced a fumble, intercepted a pass and tallied a quarterback hurry. San Jose State: Came off the bench but did not record any statistics. Penn State: Totaled two tackles against the No. 18 Nittany Lions … helped hold Penn State to 156 yards in the air. Duke:Registered three tackles against the Blue Devils and helped hold them to 156 yards passing. Arkansas: Earned the start in the secondary and recorded two tackles, including a solo stop. Florida: Registered three solo tackles and broke up his first career pass. South Carolina:Registered three tackles, including two solo stops. Mississippi: Totaled four tackles, including three solo stops … broke up a pass and tallied a quarterback hurry. Tennessee: Was named one of the Defensive Players of the Week after leading the Tide with seven solo tackles … also forced a fumble and hurried the quarterback. LSU: Tallied seven tackles, including one for a loss of three yards … nearly had an interception, breaking up one pass. Mississippi State: Was named one of the Special Teams Players of the Week by the Alabama coaching staff … registered a season-best eight tackles, including three solo stops. Georgia State: Was named a Defensive Players of the Week by the Alabama coaching staff … registered four solo tackles, including two for a loss of four yards … picked off his first career pass and broke up a pass … was part of a secondary that held GSU to 74 yards passing. Auburn: Was named one of the Defensive Players of the Week by the Alabama coaching staff … career-high nine tackles, eight solo stops … one tackle for a loss of five yards. Michigan State:Made three solo tackles and broke up two passes as the Crimson Tide defeated the Spartans 49-7 in the Capital One Bowl.

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Milliner could be the next in a line of exceptional cornerback prospects coming out of the SEC. He is still pretty raw in terms of his overall ability, but as a sophomore he led a star-studded defense with three interceptions and returned one for a touchdown. He is not a polished tackler by any means, but that area of his game will continue to improve and he already does a very good job of closing on ball carriers. When I watch Milliner play, one thing that really stands out is his closing speed, especially in the running game. He does a good job of reading plays and on slow-developing runs to the outside, he makes plays 5-10 yards in the backfield with relative ease. Despite his size, still seems to struggle at times in man coverage, but as he continues to grow in reading plays I think we will see that area improve. Definitely more comfortable right now as a young player sitting in zone coverages and making plays. Has great speed and can contribute on special teams as well. Because of his phenomenal closing speed, he will occasionally whiff on some plays in the backfield as well. His size and length give him a definite advantage as a defender. First team freshman All-American in 2010 as well as a first-team All-SEC performer. Milliner is the top player at the cornerback position in his class (2013) and should be able to crack the top 10 of a group that doesn’t have a huge standout at the top.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Sept. 9, 2012; E. Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) makes the interception on Buffalo Bills wide receiver Steve Johnson (13) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/The Star-Ledger via USA TODAY Sports

As we reported on Wednesday, the impending trade of Alex Smith gives the San Francisco unlimited potential with their arsenal of draft selections, and it appears as though they could move in on one of the big fish in the 2013 NFL offseason.

According to reports from Yahoo! Sports’ Jason Cole, the San Francisco 49ers are among the teams that have expressed interest in Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, who is widely believed to be on the trade block.

Many anticipated this would happen. This doesn’t mean the Niners will get Revis, but they have ample picks to sweeten a trade deal better than any other team that could be realistically offered for the All-Pro corner.

San Francisco is currently sitting on 11 picks in the coming draft, with the 34th overall selection coming their way from the Chiefs as well as three compensatory picks. They could offer the Jets the 31st overall pick, as well as their 2nd round pick and maybe a conditional 2014 selection and still have number 34 overall, just three spots lower than they started with Darrelle Revis in the fold.

Not a bad idea, eh?

This is a deal I think could realistically go down. The Niners can offer a sick package of picks for Darrelle Revis, and the Jets are looking for the best, fairest offer. San Francisco would still have 10 picks to use in this year’s draft while adding one of the league’s best players at a position where they have a need.

They could then focus their other early selections on the defensive line, which is where their other top need lies.

The trade would be great for the Jets, because it would allow them to add a playmaker at receiver, a replacement corner, another pass rusher, or maybe even a quarterback with the 31st selection and then wait only a few picks until their 2nd rounder pops up. A trade of Revis could potentially give the Jets two first round picks as well as four picks in the top 64 and five in the top 80.

This is a New York team that won six games last year with one of the most embarrassing displays of leadership I’ve seen. An influx of youth and ridding of a diva star who clearly isn’t happy with his surroundings could be the change the Jets need.

One thing’s for sure, a move like this certainly won’t take either team out of the spotlight.

Sept 9, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass while being pressured by New York Jets defensive end Quinton Coples (98) during the second half at MetLIfe Stadium. The Jets defeated the Bills 48-28. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets have a lot of work to do as we approach the 2013 NFL offseason. Rex Ryan has been given a mulligan after Mike Tannenbaum allegedly forced  Tim Tebow on everyone else in the building last year. Tebow turned out to be a huge distraction for the team, but it wasn’t his fault that Mark Sanchez was terrible, or that the team’s best offensive weapons were dropping all season like flies.

Defensively, the Jets have some talent but they need to figure some things out. They need pass rush, and they will need a starter at cornerback if Darrelle Revis is traded, as it has been rumored.

Here are the Jets top offseason needs, in no particular order.

1. Quarterback

This is more of an opinion of mine more than something that the Jets will actually choose to address this offseason. They will trade or cut Tebow before too long, and Mark Sanchez’s contract is too big to trade away, and he’s probably not going to get cut outright with no good QBs likely to be available for the Jets’ first round selection. This will be an area of need likely for next season also, but I think Sanchez’s time is up as the starter in New York, or it should be.

2. Rush Linebacker

The Jets need some pass rush, and they need it badly. I like the look of their defensive line as a whole, but their rush linebacker situation is pitiful. They had just 31 sacks last season, led by defensive end Quinton Coples with 5.5. The Defensive line was able to put some pressure on QBs, but they need to be able to rush the QB off the edge with some speed at the OLB position. Bryan Thomas and Calvin Pace are both replaceable.

3. Safety

LaRon Landry and Yeremiah Bell are both free agents this offseason, and it’s unclear whether one or both will be retained. Landry actually had a really good season in my opinion, and I think the Jets would like to retain him if it’s financially sensible. Still, this is a position the Jets need to upgrade.

4. Wide Receiver

The Jets struggled all season at this position last year, especially when Santonio Holmes went down with an injury. Jeremy Kerley looks like a solid slot receiver option going forward, but the second most productive receiver on the team was Jeff Cumberland, a backup tight end. That’s got to be embarrassing for the Jets’ front office.

5. Guard

The Jets’ two starters at offensive guard are unrestricted free agents, and even if they are able to retain one or both, I think they need to add some young players who are capable of starting for this team. Vlad Ducasse has been unable to be a steady starter for this team after being selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. This could be a major area of need for the Jets.

6. Right Tackle

The Jets brought in Jason Smith last year in hopes of upgrading their RT position with a former first round bust, and it wasn’t a success. Austin Howard is a restricted free agent, and likely will be back, but the Jets could use an upgrade here as well. No starting spot is safe on this offense after it ranked 28th in scoring and 30th in yards.

7. Running Back

Shonn Greene is a free agent, and I’m not sure he won’t bolt for a better situation somewhere else. The Jets have Bilal Powell and Joe McKnight, but RB is still going to be a need for this team.

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

The Denver Broncos made a huge move last offseason by going out and getting Peyton Manning, maybe the biggest free agent acquisition of all time in sports. This year, they may be looking for an encore.

Peter King, one of the most trusted journalists in sports, thinks that Denver’s man in charge could try to convince owner Pat Bowlen that obtaining Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis could put the Broncos over the top.

“If the Jets choose to shop him, I have a feeling Denver football operations czar John Elway will try hard to convince owner Pat Bowlen that Revis would be the missing piece to a championship team,” King wrote in his Monday Morning Quarterback column. “The Broncos are $14.2 million under the cap this morning, but that doesn’t include the estimated $10 million they’d need to budget for free agent tackle Ryan Clady, who’s a must-keep. That could be lower, of course, with a long-term deal for Clady. And they could save money by reworking Peyton Manning‘s $20 million cap number this year.”

I had previously read that the Broncos were closer to $18.5 million under the cap, but maybe that was erroneous. Either way, the New York Jets would probably require something pretty good in return for Revis, though I’m not sure that they could get a king’s ransom for a guy coming off of ACL surgery with one year remaining on his contract, seeking a deal for the ages.

Obviously, the Broncos would have to make some moves to fit Revis into their future plans, which includes keeping Ryan Clady, Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, and Von Miller.

The Broncos can save nearly $10 million if they cut injured linebacker Joe Mays ($4 million) and troubled linebacker D.J. Williams ($6 million), which would afford them a potential franchise tag number for offensive tackle Ryan Clady. They wouldn’t have to pay him nearly as much if they can get him locked into a long term deal.

As King pointed out, the Broncos can also re-work the contract of Peyton Manning, who is set to make $20 million in 2013 if he passes a physical. That’s obviously going to happen, since Manning was healthy all of last season and his neck appears to be in good shape going forward.

Manning deserves every penny of what the Broncos have signed him to, but winning a championship is the first priority. He could live comfortably on $10 million a season, probably even less, but I don’t think the Broncos would ask him to take any less than $15. You don’t want to offend the sheriff.

The Broncos also need to look into re-negotiating the contract of Chris Kuper, who is set to make $6 million in 2013 as well. This is a very good draft for guards, and if Kuper is unwilling to negotiate, he could be shown the door in favor of a youngster.

If Revis is brought in, his 2013 cap number is going to be $6 million. The Broncos could easily build a contract off of that number instead of leaping straight to paying him $14-16 million per season.

What I’m trying to point out is, the Broncos can easily make this trade work financially, and not only that, but they would allow themselves to be able to keep re-signing their own star players as well in the future like Eric Decker (2014) and Demaryius Thomas (2015).

This would also shake up the scope of the draft. What would the Jets do with potentially two first round selections? Would they take a quarterback? Keep adding pass rush depth? The options are endless with their roster. Maybe they would go after a new big play running back like Andre Ellington or Eddie Lacy. Maybe add a big name receiver.

The Broncos may believe that adding Darrelle Revis could put them over the top in 2013, and I think they’d be hard pressed not to pursue this move if they think he’s going to be that impactful.

September 22, 2012; Columbia, SC, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson (34) gets instruction from the sidelines in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Height:  6’4″

Weight:  295 pounds

Position Rank:

Drafted By: New York Jets (1st round, 13th overall)

40 Yard Dash:  4.96

Bench Press:  30

Vertical Jump:  32″

Broad Jump:  9’8″

Career Stats

2012

2011

Scouting Report/Player Notes

• Strong, stout defensive tackle prospect
• Plays with a good center of gravity, doesn’t get too high very often
• Sometimes plays standing up, better utilizing his quickness
• Love his quickness off the ball, and his ability to penetrate
• Size indicates he could play end in a 3-4, but I think he best fits in a 4-3
• Does a good job of using his hands
• Could stand to add a bit of weight without losing quickness, probably finding a home in the 305-310 range.
• Does a good job getting under the pads of offensive linemen, causing the pocket to collapse quickly on quarterbacks
• Upper body strength allows him to push through the line with ease
• Good pursuit and hustle for a defensive tackle
• Does a good job of getting upfield on passing downs, and Missouri utilized him in creative ways (stunts, off the edge, standing up)

Bottom Line:

Richardson will be one of the first DTs selected in the 2013 NFL Draft. He has a very dynamic skill set for a 4-3 defensive tackle and could be an ideal fit for a 4-3 defensive scheme. He should be a lock for the top 32 picks unless off-field issues arise.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)