Jermaine Johnson II trade all but ensures Jets will go EDGE at No. 2

The New York Jets traded EDGE rusher Jermaine Johnson II to the Tennessee Titans on Thursday in exchange for defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat.

The deal improves the Jets at defensive tackle, but weakens them at EDGE. It almost all but ensures that general manager Darren Mougey will draft a pass rusher at No. 2 overall.

Johnson's departure leaves the Jets with only one starting-caliber pass rusher on the roster. Even Will McDonald IV has been a little inconsistent and is still trying to improve. EDGE is a premium position and the Jets desperately need to improve there now.

EDGE rushers worked out at the NFL scouting combine on Thursday. Texas Tech's David Bailey ran the fastest 40-yard dash at 4.50 seconds. Hybrid linebacker Arvell Reese ran a 4.46. Rueben Bain Jr. did not work out, but has established himself as one of the top prospects at the position.

The Jets will probably strongly consider Bailey, Reese, and Bain Jr. at No. 2 overall.

Guesswork would indicate the more traditional Bailey may be the current favorite. Other prospects like safety Caleb Downs and linebacker Sonny Styles are in the mix, but don't play premium positions.

The Jets already needed to upgrade at EDGE this offseason. The Johnson trade creates even more urgency there for Mougey and Aaron Glenn.

The Johnson trade was well-timed with EDGEs taking center stage at the combine on Thursday.

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jermaine Johnson II trade all but ensures Jets will go EDGE at No. 2