NFL Rumors: Latest Draft Buzz and Rumors from Around the League

With the 2012 NFL draft around 24 hours away, we look at some of the league's hottest buzz and rumors, including:

• the New York Jets' potential interest in moving up to snag Alabama running back Trent Richardson
• some teams may view West Virginia defensive end Bruce Irvin in a positive light
• whether or not the San Diego Chargers should target a pass-rusher in the first round
• why cornerback Janoris Jenkins is a lock to fall into the second round

Jets in the Market for a Trade Up?

In recent years, the New York Jets completed trades up the draft board to select Mark Sanchez and Darrelle Revis. According to ESPN New York's Rich Cimini, the Jets are looking into adding Alabama running back Trent Richardson to that group. "The Jets, picking 16th in the first round, are exploring the possibility of moving up for Richardson, according to league sources. But it's a long shot, considering they'd probably have to jump 11 or 12 spots."

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The tip came after it was discovered that the Jets had talked with Richardson to update contact information, a practice that is normal this time of year but "unusual" for a player that seems to be out of reach for the Jets at No. 16 overall. 

But as Cimini writes, the Jets would have to make a draft-altering jump that would cost several high picks—potentially including a 2013 first-rounder. However, ESPN's Sal Paolantonio added to Cimini's report that Richardson tops the Jets' overall draft board, which could mean GM Mike Tannenbaum is more serious about getting Richardson than anyone ever thought prior. 

The chances remain low for the Jets to complete such a move, but I wouldn't put it past this win-now team. 

Irvin a Top Pass-Rusher?

While some consider West Virginia defensive end Bruce Irvin too small to be an impact pass-rusher in the NFL, a handful of teams reportedly consider the 245-pounder to be among the very best in the class.

ESPN's Adam Schefter, via Rotoworld.com, said that Irvin is "very desired around the league" and that "some teams" think of him as "maybe" the best pass-rusher in the 2012 class.

While that is high praise for a somewhat overlooked player in this draft, you could speculate that the list of teams that actually think of Irvin as the top pass-rusher is a small one.

A 'tweener with size limitations, Irvin could struggle at the next level to be a consistent rusher. He'll need to find a defense that can afford to give him a situational role, and that kind of role isn't worth a first-round investment. 

Chargers Likely to Target a Pass-Rusher?

Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune picked Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus as his best guess on who the Chargers would pick at No. 19 overall Thursday, and he opined that pass-rusher was the way San Diego should go in the first round. "They...(should) take a pass rusher first because they stunk on third down last year and have not been able to consistently disrupt the quarterback since Shawne Merriman’s body betrayed him."

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The Chargers should have a number of pass-rushing options available at No. 19, and Acee nails why GM A.J. Smith shouldn't hesitate taking one when San Diego gets on the clock Thursday. 

San Diego's defense ranked dead last in the NFL last season on third down—allowing conversions on almost 50 percent of opportunities—and only 32 times did a rusher take down the opposing quarterback, which ranked tied for 23rd.

Adding an impact pass-rusher should help both areas for 2012.

Jenkins a Second-Round Lock?

When watching the 2010 tape of former Florida cornerback Janoris Jenkins, there's no denying that a top-15 cornerback is on the screen. He locked down eventual first-round receivers in Julio Jones and A.J. Green in stunning fashion.

However, his off-the-field problems have likely knocked the troubled corner completely out of the first round. According to Schefter, via Pro Football Talk, "a number of teams" have knocked Jenkins off their draft boards, and few are expecting Jenkins to see first-round interest.

While not a surprise by any means, Wednesday marks the first time in which Schefter has reported the waning interest in Jenkins as a first-round pick. There are some critics that think Jenkins will fall out of the second round too, but it's hard to imagine that 64 picks will go by without one team biting on the sky-high potential Jenkins possesses on the football field.