| | NEW YORK -- The busy New York Jets made another trade Thursday, moving up four spots in the first round of the NFL draft in a swap with the San Francisco 49ers.
The Jets, who acquired two first-round choices Wednesday from
Tampa Bay for star receiver Keyshawn Johnson, now own the 12th,
13th, 18th and 27th spots. San Francisco, which also has the 24th
overall slot, got the 16th choice from New York and a second-rounder, 48th overall.
New York still has an unprecedented four first-round picks, but
this deal indicates the Jets might be positioning themselves to
move even further up in the opening round.
"This is a move made in our continuing effort to strengthen our
position in the draft," Jets coach Al Groh said.
The 49ers, who have been severely strapped by the salary cap and
come off a 4-12 season, are in a rebuilding mode. They are
collecting as many picks as they can and have 11 overall.
"We are very pleased with this trade," 49ers general manager
Bill Walsh said. " Not only have we acquired another pick, but we
retained two solid first-round choices as well as a great position
in the second round. I think it worked out well for both teams."
The Niners have four picks in the top 48 on Saturday.
New York will be a key player in the draft with so many
first-rounders. It might make an attempt to get into the top four
spots for one of the true blue-chippers: Penn State's Courtney
Brown and LaVar Arrington, Florida State's Peter Warrick and
Alabama's Chris Samuels. The Cleveland Browns, who own the first
overall spot, have indicated they might be interested in a swap to
get three first-rounders, and would be tempted if all four of the
Jets' No. 1 picks were offered.
Should the Jets stay where they are, they could fill several
holes. They need a pass-rushing defensive end, a free safety, a
tight end and a wide receiver with Johnson in Tampa. Several
prospects at those positions -- Tennessee DE Shaun Ellis and safety
Deon Grant, Miami tight end Bubba Franks and a slew of wideouts,
including Florida's Travis Taylor, Georgia Tech's Dez White and
Jackson State's Sylvester Morris, figure to be around when the Jets
are on the board.
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