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Movin' on up Jets make another deal to move up four more spots
Posted: Thursday April 13, 2000 10:09 PM
NEW YORK (AP) -- 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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