Lots of first-round receiver prospects talking Jets

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New York Jets probably aren't taking a defensive lineman Thursday night in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

This year's wide receiver prospects have gotten the memo.

As the big evening approaches, talk of connections between Gang Green and the league's prospective wideouts have picked up.

Monday, USC's Marqise Lee told the NY Post that the Jets "made me feel at home" during visits this offseason. The 6-foot, 192-pound receiver is likely to be on the board when the Jets pick at No. 18, and he's expressed repeated interest in making Florham Park his place of work.

New York, however, has been rumored to be seriously considering a trade-up, possibly for Texas A&M's Mike Evans, who is widely considered the second-best receiver in the class behind Clemson's Sammy Watkins.

Evans should go in the top-10 and is a potential top-five pick.

“If I went there, they have so many weapons now, with Chris Johnson, Eric Decker and Geno [Smith] or [Michael] Vick at the the helm," Evans said this week, via TheJetsBlog.com, "and if they add me, it’d be great."

LSU's Odel Beckham Jr. has also peaked New York's interest, though he could very well require a trade-up, as well.

If the Jets stand pat, another very possible pick is speedy Oregon State receiver Brandin Cooks, who told the Post he feels the Jets are "pushing for me."

The Jets hosted more prospects at receiver than any other position during their pre-draft visits.

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