Jets trade Sheldon Richardson and sixth pick to the 49ers for the second pick
We already know the 49ers were looking at defensive tackle help in free agency. The team was linked to the likes of Dontari Poe and Brandon Williams. Even after signing Earl Mitchell, this is an area San Francisco will look to address in the draft. In fact, rumors continue to circulate that general manager John Lynch and Co. are interested in Alabama product Jonathan Allen at two.
Why not add a Pro Bowl caliber defensive lineman to the mix instead? Richardson has long been on the trade block and it wouldn’t be an absolute shocker to see him traded during the draft. That’s taken to a whole new level when we realize New York already boasts Muhammad Wilkerson and Leonard Williams along the defensive line.
There’s two major points to make here. First off, San Francisco would still be able to nab an elite-level talent at another position of need with the sixth pick. It could target Ohio State corner Marshon Lattimore as a replacement for the released Tramaine Brock. The team could also pick up a natural center fielder at safety — something both Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan covet. Heck, one of the top receivers will be on the board with that pick.
From a Jets perspective, it’s rather simple. If they are indeed looking to go quarterback in the first round, they could guarantee themselves the top player on the board at that position, whether it’s Mitch Trubisky or someone else. The asset the team would be moving here is someone it can easily replace, creating a more well-rounded rebuild after a disastrous 2016 campaign. It just makes too much sense.