NFL Draft Rumors: Trading Up for Trent Richardson Is Smart for New York Jets

The New York Jets' inconsistency in the backfield could all be erased by the drafting of one man: Alabama Crimson Tide star running back Trent Richardson.

While trading up to No. 4 where the Cleveland Browns currently sit would take a big package of picks, a player like Richardson doesn’t come around very often. The powerful back is garnering comparisons to Emmitt Smith, and for a team like the Jets that must win now, those words are music to New York’s ears.

In what should be a very similar deal, the Browns would again trade back in the first round and expect about the same compensation as they did in last year’s draft-day trade with Atlanta that yielded them the Falcons’ first (27th overall), second (59th) and fourth-round picks (124th), along with Atlanta’s first- and fourth-round selections in 2012.

New York’s bill will be very similar.

ESPN New York Jets’ insider Rich Cimini is reporting about the team’s plans for Day 1 of the NFL draft:

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Here's what I expect the Jets to do Thursday night in the first round: A. Explore the possibility of trading way up for Alabama RB Trent Richardson.

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The price is already there, with last season’s deal with the Falcons being used as the template for almost all top-10 trades going forward. Cleveland would continue to rebuild their organization, but New York would immediately shift back into a win-now philosophy.

Rex Ryan realizes the pressure that this trade would bring, but he also knows how important a running game will be with two quarterbacks in Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow that don’t throw the ball particularly well. With a strong offensive line, Richardson could help take the pressure off the mediocre QBs, at least for awhile.

This move is smart on so many levels, but the team has to think about its future as well. A trade could consist of four potential draft picks that could turn into impact players, and it’s all coming for a draft pick that is no guarantee to be a stud.

While taking Richardson is a huge risk, it’s one that they need to take if they want to win now for the next few seasons.

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