New York Jets should not take a QB with No. 2 pick in 2021 NFL Draft

Trading down stands out as a fantastic option

A possibility for the New York Jets at second overall that is not being discussed enough is the possibility of the team trading down. There have been talks about the team moving the pick to acquire disgruntled Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. But trading for Watson could extend the Jets rebuilding window longer than it has to be and won’t bring the Jets the immediate success that the tough New York media demands.

Joe Douglas needs to consider how quick of a rebuild the Jets could have with the number of assets they can receive in a deal for the second overall pick. History shows that teams who trade down their selection for a team who wants to pick in the top three for a quarterback get a great haul of draft picks as compensation.

The Jets were the last team to trade up to a top-three selection in the NFL Draft and they traded the sixth overall pick and three second-round picks to acquire the third overall pick in 2018.

While in 2017, the Chicago Bears traded the third overall pick along with a third-round pick, fourth-round pick, and a 2018 third-round pick in order to trade up one spot to the second overall pick.

The Los Angeles Rams traded the 15th overall pick, two second-round picks, a third-round pick, their 2017 first-round pick, and 2017 third-round pick to get the first overall pick (and two day three picks) in 2016.

Also that season, the Philadelphia Eagles traded two defensive starters and the 13th overall pick to jump to 8th overall. Then the team packaged the 8th pick with a third-round pick, a fourth-round pick, their 2017 first-round pick, and their 2017 second-round pick in a deal with the Tennessee Titans to acquire the second overall pick (and a fourth-round pick).

Most famously in 2012, the Washington Football team traded the sixth overall pick, their second-round pick, and their first-round picks in 2013 & 2014 to the Rams for the opportunity to select Robert Griffin III.

These past deals give the New York Jets a lot to consider when there is the possibility they could acquire a haul of draft picks similar to these deals from a team in order to select their next franchise quarterback or to take Penei Sewell.