The New York Jets can get a quarterback at No. 39, but can they get the quarterback they want? Considering the quarterback they want appears to be Geno Smith, they probably can't, which is why they have apparently been trying to trade up so they can grab the West Virginia product.
Jets have made calls today to multiple teams to try to move up from 39th spot in second round to draft QB. Debated Geno Smith at No. 13.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 26, 2013
Mark Sanchez was an unmitigated disaster last year so the Jets can't really afford to just cross their fingers and hope he turns it around this year. They need someone who can at least compete with Sanchez, and Smith could certainly do that.
While E.J. Manuel ended up being the first quarterback taken in the draft, and the only quarterback taken in the first round altogether, many still believe Smith is the draft's best at the position. If the Jets believed he was good enough to consider at No. 13, then they obviously rate him high enough to move up and grab him in the second round. The only question is whether they can make a trade to get him.
The Jaguars and 49ers own the first two picks in the second round and both are reportedly open to moving down. The Jaguars have not been shy about the fact that they would like to trade down and if the Jets can work out a deal with them, they would select No. 33, free to grab Smith.
More from SB Nation:
• NFL mock draft: Who goes in the second round?
• Geno Smith's nightmare becomes reality
• NFL draft results: First-round picks and analysis
• The Drafty Hour: First-round reactions
• NFL draft grades: Reviewing the first round
• Recapping the NFL Draft's Day 1 trades