2012 NFL Draft: What the Jets Must Give Up to Steal Trent Richardson

So, the New York Jets are interested in Trent Richardson, huh? 

ESPNNewYork's Rich Cimini leaked the following bit of info regarding Richardson's contact information: 

"

Richardson said Wednesday he received a call from the Jets soon after arriving in New York for pre-draft festivities.

"They wanted to know my information as far as whether that's the right number to reach me in case something does happen, with them trading up," he said Wednesday at an NFL community event in Manhattan.

"

Will Gang Green be involved in another stunning draft-day trade up reminiscent of the move that vaulted them into the No. 5 overall position to land USC quarterback Mark Sanchez in 2009? 

What exactly would it take to hop from No. 16 overall to the No. 4 pick held by the Cleveland Browns to draft Mr. Richardson? 

Well, it's impossible to know precisely what they'd have to give up, but one has to think it'll be the value of Richardson, who many believe is the best running back prospect to enter the NFL since Adrian Peterson, plus the cost of moving 12 spots in the first round. 

Looking back to last year when the Atlanta Falcons went all the way from No. 27 overall to No. 6 to snag Julio Jones, they unloaded an abundance of picks. 

Outside of their pick at the end first, they gave up their 2011 second-rounder, fourth-rounder and the team's first and fourth-round picks in this year's draft. 

A king's ransom. 

The Jets' jump from No. 17 to No. 5 overall in 2009 to draft Sanchez was another similar circumstance. Cleveland was involved and they received, along with the Jets' first-rounder that year, New York's second-rounder, Kenyon Coleman, Brett Ratliff and Abram Elam. 

After glancing at both these colossal trade ups, and factoring in Richardson's true value, it's clear that GM Mike Tannenbaum must be willing to part ways with a fair share of draft picks and potentially a player. 

It would cost the Jets' first-rounder, second-rounder, mid-round picks in 2012 and 2013 along with running back Shonn Greene.

That seems fair for both sides. 

Remember, Richardson isn't just any running back and is a player the Browns almost certainly have near the top of their draft board. 

Is it worth it, Jets fans?

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