NFL Draft Trade Proposal: Saints Send Two First-Rounders to Jets, Pick Matt Corral

In this first-round mock draft, the Jets trade the 10th overall selection to the Saints, grabbing two first-round picks back.

In this mock draft, from former running back Maurice Jones-Drew (who now works as an analyst for NFL.com), the Jets find a trade partner in the first round, dealing the No. 10 pick to New Orleans. 

The Saints use New York's second first-rounder to draft their quarterback of the future, sending a pair of selections back to the Jets in the deal.

Let's take a look at Jones-Drew's mock draft trade proposal with his analysis. After checking out who each team picks in their new spots in the first round, we'll break this down a little further.

First-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft (Via NFL.com)

Former running back Maurice Jones-Drew predicts this trade between the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints in a 2022 NFL mock draft

PROJECTED TRADE WITH NEW YORK JETS

Ole Miss QB Matt Corral scores touchdown
Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

10. New Orleans Saints (from SEA through NYJ): Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi

A run on quarterbacks prompts the Saints to send their two first-round picks to the Jets to land Corral, a dual-threat QB with a big arm who will benefit from learning behind Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton, two veterans on short-term deals. — Jones-Drew

PROJECTED TRADE WITH NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson makes catch
Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

16. New York Jets (from IND through PHI and NO): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

After trading back, the Jets still get one of the premier wideouts here. Wilson is a special playmaker on the perimeter who will be a big boon to Zach Wilson's Year 2 development.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Minnesota Golden Gophers EDGE Boye Mafe sacks Auburn Tigers QB Bo Nix
Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

19. New York Jets (from PHI through NO): Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota

Having already snagged a corner and wide receiver, the Jets get a raw pass-rushing prospect. Mafe is the type of edge rusher who'll flourish under Robert Saleh's tutelage.


If the Jets do end up trading back with the No. 10 overall pick, a deal like this would be a tremendous return. Not only does New York move back in the first and recoup draft capital, but they acquire two first-rounders from this year's class in the process.

That gives general manager Joe Douglas an opportunity to snag two talented prospects at two key positions, making this rebuilding roster better right away. Garrett Wilson is a receiver New York may take at 10 if they stick with that pick while Boye Mafe at 19 gives Gang Green a pass rusher for their defensive line.

NFL Draft Trade Proposal: Eagles Deal With Jets, Pick Malik Willis 10th Overall

Even if New York doesn't want to take either of those prospects, plenty of top-tier assets are still on the board in those two spots (not to mention both the Jets' second-rounders). In this scenario, wideouts Drake London, Chris Olave and more are still on the board. On defense, linebacker Devin Lloyd, cornerback Trent McDuffie and more are still up for grabs.

If you're curious, Jones-Drew had three edge rushers come off the board with the first three selections in his mock. Travon Walker went to the Jaguars, Aidan Hutchinson to the Lions and Kayvon Thibodeaux to the Texans. With the No. 4 pick, New York picked cornerback Ahmad Gardner.

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher  of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.