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NASHVILLE -- Jets GM Mike Maccagnan tried hard to trade down in the first-round of the NFL draft, hoping to acquire a second-round pick. In the end, he couldn't do it.
But he is expected to keep trying on Day 2.
The Jets don't have a ton of ammunition to make a trade and move up, but they do have two third-round picks to help put together a package. Right now they'll be picking fourth and 30th in Round 3 (68th and 93rd). Maybe one of them and a later pick -- or perhaps a future pick -- could be enough to get it done.
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For now, though, they'll have to hold off until the third round begins. And when it does, here are a few names to watch:
C Erik McCoy, Texas A&M -- The Jets will have to jump early into the second round, most likely, to get the best center left on the board. He's 6-foot-4, 303 pounds and would likely step in as a Day 1 starter. But the cost to move up to get him could be steep.
C/G Connor McGovern, Penn State -- He powerful interior blocker who has good size (6-5, 308), room to grow and can play guard or center. He'll likely be available for the Jets early in the third round, and they definitely need help on their offensive line.
C Elgton Jenkins, Mississippi State -- There's a chance this 6-foot-4, 310-pounder could still be there early in the third round. He has ideal size for an interior lineman but also has played tackle, so he has plenty of versatility.
CB Julian Love, Notre Dame -- There are a lot of good cornerbacks still on the board, and the Jets definitely need help at that position. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Love has 4.5 speed and is one of the best cover corners left in the draft. He probably won't slip far in Round 2. Then again, corners are falling faster than anyone thought.
CB Lonnie Johnson, Kentucky -- If the Jets want a bigger corner, this 6-2, 213-pounder would do it. He needs some work on his cover skills, but Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams would love the raw traits he has.
CB Justin Layne, Michigan State -- A big (6-2, 192), physical corner who has the speed (4.5) to keep up with the best receivers. He's a former receiver, and it shows with his nose for the ball.
RB Damien Harris, Alabama -- It appears new head coach Adam Gase is unimpressed with the running backs behind Le'Veon Bell. The Jets signed Ty Montgomery, but he's a converted receiver. They still need a power back, and the 5-10, 216-pound Harris could fit that bill.
TE Dawson Knox, Mississippi -- Maccagnan loves this tight end class, and he definitely needs a blocking tight end. The 6-4, 254-pound Knox can fill that role. Scouts also think he was an underused receiver in college with the skills to contribute in the passing game in the NFL.