Realistic Draft Trade Possibilities for the New York Jets

If anything should be taken away from Mike Maccagnan's first few months as general manager, it's the notion that he isn't afraid of making bold moves. 

The new man in charge already traded for Brandon Marshall, signed multiple free agents to big deals and won a bidding war for Darrelle Revis. 

However, we may not have even seen Maccagnan's boldest move yet. 

The Jets, desperate for talent at a variety of important positions, hold the sixth overall selection in the draft. However, the team possesses just six picks in all. 

Maccagnan and the new regime will be looking for potential deals all weekend, whether it be trading up or down. 

Whatever happens, expect it to be an eventful weekend for Gang Green. 

Jets Trade No. 6 and Future Picks for No. 2 from Tennessee

Ryan Kang/Associated Press

The Jets have been searching for a franchise quarterback since Chad Pennington was released in 2008. 

Brett Favre was a one-year rental, Mark Sanchez collapsed after a solid start and Geno Smith has shown few signs of process in his first two years. 

Although New York possesses the sixth overall selection, there are only two franchise signal-callers in this year's draft class, and they are likely to be the first two players off the board. 

For the Jets to land either Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota, they probably have to trade up to No. 2 overall. 

Moving up won't come cheap, however. It could cost New York multiple early-round picks in 2015 and 2016, including the No. 6 overall selection. 

Nonetheless, Maccagnan isn't afraid to make a deal if the price is right. He told reporters on Friday that he will reach out to every team ahead of the Jets to see what they're looking for in a trade, per CBS New York. 

With so many needs and just six picks in this year's draft, it might not be in Gang Green's best interest to trade up for either Winston or Mariota. 

But given the team's desperate need for a franchise quarterback and Maccagnan's penchant for bold moves, it cannot be ruled out. 

Jets Trade Nos. 6 and 70 for No. 4 from Oakland

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

If either Winston or Mariota falls past the top two picks (which is unlikely given the league's infatuation with quarterbacks), the Jets could attempt to jump into the top five at a much cheaper cost than trading for the No. 2 pick. 

Moving up just two spots to the No. 4 selection will cost New York its first-round pick and an additional early-to-mid-round selection, but it would be worthwhile given the reward of getting a potential franchise quarterback. 

It also helps that unlike the Titans, the Raiders will have no interest in taking a signal-caller after drafting Derek Carr just last year.

If either one of the top two quarterbacks falls beyond the top three selections, it's likely that Maccagnan and the front office do all that they can to trade up and snag one of them. 

However, this scenario is unlikely given how the top three selections are projected to shake out. 

Jets Trade Down from No. 6 for Mid-First-Round Pick and Additional Day 2 Picks

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Trading up isn't the only move New York could make on Thursday night. 

Considering the team has just six picks in the draft, and just four in the first six rounds, Maccagnan and co. could attempt to trade back in order to receive more picks. 

The general manager certainly isn't being shy about his interest in collecting additional selections. He told reporters he sees significant benefits in getting more players as opposed to one elite, per Seth Walder of the New York Daily News.

The Jets' decision to trade down could depend on how the first five picks shake out. If both the potential franchise quarterbacks, as well as the two elite pass-rushers (Dante Fowler Jr. and Vic Beasley) are gone, it might be New York's best course of action. 

If Gang Green did trade back, an offensive lineman would probably be the target. Depending on what team it strikes a deal with, New York could grab either Brandon Scherff, Andrus Peat or Ereck Flowers. 

Any one of the trio would immediately upgrade the offensive line, and the Jets would have an extra pick or two to work with as well. 

Jets Trade Damon Harrison for Mid-Round Pick

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

Given Maccagnan's interest in collecting additional selections, the Jets could be involved in a player-for-picks trade. 

New York has plenty of players who could be on the block, but Damon Harrison is probably the one who will receive the most interest from other teams. 

Harrison has been a key player in the Jets defense over the last two seasons, as he has emerged as one of the game's finest interior run-stuffers. 

However, the former undrafted free agent is signed to just a one-year tender, and Gang Green doesn't exactly lack talent up front. 

Along with stars Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson, New York has solid depth in Leger Douzable, Kevin Vickerson and T.J. Barnes. 

Although unlikely, it may be in the Jets' best interest to try to swap Harrison for a third- or even fourth-round selection, as they could address needs in other areas while still maintaining a solid defensive front. 

Jets Trade Dee Milliner for Mid- to Late-Round Pick

Seth Wenig/Associated Press

The Jets could also choose to cut ties with one of the former regime's biggest mistakes. 

Dee Milliner has been a colossal disappointment since being selected ninth overall in the 2013 draft, as he has struggled with inconsistent play and injuries. 

The front office showed little faith in Milliner this offseason, as it brought in three cornerbacks to sit ahead of the Alabama product on the depth chart. 

Coming off a torn ACL, Milliner's trade value is extremely low at the moment. However, he is just 23 years old, and he still has the potential to emerge as a solid starting corner at the NFL level. 

In terms of value, trading Milliner is not a wise decision for New York. 

However, if Maccagnan can get some decent compensation for the former first-round selection, he may just pull the trigger on a potential deal.