2020 NFL Draft: Trade-up targets for the New York Jets

The New York Jets can move up or down the board in the 2020 NFL Draft. Here, we take a look at a list of potential trade-up targets for Gang Green.

The 2020 NFL Draft is inching closer with the NFL scouting combine set for this week. The New York Jets have some holes to fill on both sides of the ball and they’ll be active in free agency and the draft. General Manager Joe Douglas may need to be creative in how he’ll improve the team, which may include some draft-day maneuvering.

I thought it would be fun to take a look at which prospects the New York Jets could target if they were to move up in the draft. There will be trade options for rounds one to three in this scenario. So let’s not waste any moredd time and get into it.

Round One: Top Offensive Tackles

The first trade target for the New York Jets is my number one rated offensive tackle. Jedrick Wills Jr. played on the right side of the line at Alabama, but he projects well at the left side in the NFL. He did protect Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside so I don’t think he’ll have a tough transition to the left side.

I do believe that one of the top offensive tackles will be available when the Jets are on the clock, but there is a real possibility that they may need to trade up to secure a tackle. So why not trade up for the best one?

Another trade-up target for Gang Green is Iowa right tackle Tristan Wirfs. There have been reports that the New York Jets are very high on the potential of their right tackle Chuma Edoga, but Wirfs also projects well as a left tackle at the next level. He also played three games on the left side in 2019.

Wirfs has some room for improvement as a pass blocker, but he can hold his own for now. As a run blocker, Wirfs is a tank. Some may not want him to start on the left side right away, but I believe he’ll be just fine. He can be a real nice anchor in the run game as well. Le’Veon Bell had a tough start to his Jets career and the dreadful offensive line played a big part in that. New York will be adding multiple offensive linemen in the offseason and Wirfs could be a real nice addition.

The only offensive lineman in this group that played all 13 games at left tackle is Georgia’sd Andrew Thomas. He has been the Bulldogs starting left tackle since his sophomore season back in 2017 where he started all 13 games as well.

Thomas may be one of the safest picks in this draft due to his dominant potential as an interior lineman. After weighing some thoughts and more film review I came away believing Thomas has the potential to be the best player in this tackle class. He has the most experience on the left side and is his ability to pass protect has been overlooked. This would be a major get for the New York Jets.