The National Football League’s version of the Hatfield and the McCoys (I used that same line in a SportingNews.com item that should be released later today . . . if they don’t kill it for general suckiness) will take their hate-hate relationship to a new level on Saturday, when the Jets use the No. 6 overall pick in the draft, and the Pats exercise the very next selection. The blood war between these franchises significantly predates their most memorable skirmish, which blew the lid off the Pats’ videotaping practices and sparked a still-ongoing debate as to whether one or more of their Super Bowl trophies are tarnished. The New York Daily News looks at the history of the relationship, specifically as it relates to the draft. In 2001, the Pats swung a trade to get in front of the Jets once the Pats concluded that the Jets planned to use a second-round pick on tackle Matt Light. The next year, the Pats again leap-frogged the Jets, but took tight end Daniel Graham with the No. 21 overall selection, leaving the player whom the Jets had targeted — defensive end Bryan Thomas — still on the board. This year, the Pats surely hope to put the Vulcan mind trick on the Jets, getting them to take a guy whom the Pats don’t really want, and not to take the player whom the Patriots secretly covet. Though much of it depends on who is drafted among the top five, both teams surely have worked out the scenarios with every combination of the top prospects going to the Fins, Rams, Falcons, Raiders, and Chiefs before them. Both teams have shown interest in running back Darren McFadden and linebacker/defensive end Vernon Gholston. They each could slip through the first five spots, and be on the board when the Jets select. Another possibility would be for the Jets to trade out of the six spot with a team who wants to get the guy whom the Patriots are expected to desire. Versatile Virginia offensive lineman Brendan Albert could be the Pats’ perceived prize. Some think that the Eagles would like to trade up to get him, so a New York-Philly deal could be just what the Jets need to stick it to the Pats. Especially if the Jets also get cornerback Lito Sheppard as part of the transaction. Regardless of what the Jets do at No. 6, the Pats might look to trade out of the No. 7 spot, but only after they allow their presence over the Jets’ collective shoulders to cause G.M. Mike Tannenbaum to lose as many extra hairs as possible. And don’t rule out the possibility of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talking trade with each team in the event that McFadden isn’t selected in the first five spots. Jones has two first-rounders to give, and either team would be wise to consider taking them. It’s one of the most intriguing aspects of this year’s draft, and with only ten minutes per team in round one, we won’t have to wait long to see what happens. LINK http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/21/jets-pats-feud-continues-on-draft-day/
