NEW YORK – First, Tim Tebow. Now — maybe — Trent Richardson? There’s building buzz that the New York Jets might be interested in trading up from No. 16 to the fourth overall pick, currently held by the Browns, in a bid to acquire the game-breaking Alabama tailback. Richardson said he got a call from the Jets, who wanted his contact information, on Sunday when he arrived in New York City. Given that and Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum‘s past willingness to rocket up the board — he did a deal with Cleveland in 2009 to move up 12 notches for USC QB Mark Sanchez — the Richardson rumors may not be far-fetched. With most teams in the draft’s Top 10 interested in trading back, the Jets may have picked the right time to pounce. Question is, would they actually have to deal with the Minnesota Vikings (owners of the No. 3 pick) if Richardson is their man? “I would love it,” Richardson said of the prospect of going to the Jets. “I don’t feel bad about playing for any football team. Playing in the NFL is big.”

Yes. Fucking. Please. Trent Richardson is about as sure of a thing in the backfield as you can get in the NFL draft. He’s a can’t miss, home run selection and is gonna be one of the dominant running backs for years to come. And the Jets are a team with a Ground and Pound mantra that has completely abandoned the Ground portion of the equation. In 2009 and 2010 the Jets were #1 and #2 in rushing attempts and fell off dramatically in 2011. For a number of reasons. Shonn Greene didn’t take that next step forward. The offensive line took about 10 steps backwards. The head coach and offensive coordinator tried to show more faith in their quarterback and it didn’t work out so well. There’s a million reasons why. But bottom line is the Jets need to reestablish the run. Get back to that team that Rex Ryan first coached to 2 AFC championship games. Trent Richardson is just about the quickest way to get back there.

Obviously the number 4, or possibly the number 3 pick is not gonna be cheap. And for a team that is in general disarray I wouldn’t ordinarily recommend trading youth and picks for a “strike now” mentality. They’ve got a lot of work to do in a lot of other departments – its not like he’s the final piece. Far from it. But, Trent Richardson is about as safe as it gets I think. If you’re ever gonna trade up for a running back, it would be for a guy like him. He’ll be here for years to come, throughout the duration of this regime or the next one that follows.