5 Potential Moves Saints Can Make in 1st Round

The Jets Trade Muhammed Wilkerson and Pick 20 to the Saints for pick 12

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) chases Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) during the second half at MetLife Stadium.The Jets defeated the Dolphins 38-20. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

This would be my favorite of all the possibilities. After about the first 9 or 10 picks in the draft, there’s a bit of a drop-off in talent.

It is unlikely that one of the top defenders in the draft falls to the Saints at 12. And there won’t be ANYBODY at 12 who is a better player, than “Mo” Wilkerson.

The Saints badly need help on the defensive line and Wilkerson can provide a huge boost. The Saints would be getting a hell of a player in Wilkerson, and only fall 8 picks away from where they would have been before.

Why would the Jets trade Wilkerson if he is such a great player?

First of Wilkerson is in the final year of his contract and is unlikely to return to the Jets after this year. So if the Saints did make this trade, they would have to be confident they could extend Wilkerson and not just trade for him to have him play for one year.

Second, the Jets drafted a stud of a defensive lineman last year in Leonard Williams; who could step in and take his place.

The only way I see this trade coming to fruition is if Paxton Lynch is still there at 12.

With all the rumors of the Saints targeting Lynch, I think they are coming out more as a “smokescreen” than legitimate interest in drafting him at 12.

With Fitzpatrick not yet resigning with the team, the Jets must have legitimate interest in drafting Lynch. With the rumors of the Saints taking him at 12 (and if he is still there at 12), the Jets could trade up to ensure they get him.

This trade would really be a “win-win” for both sides.

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