Draft-day trade with Broncos foiled

FLORHAMPARK, N.J. — The Jets and Broncos might stink, but there are some intriguing storylines entering Thursday’s prime-time matchup, including one that helped shape Denver’s offensive line.

The Jets and Broncos had a trade in place in the third round of this year’s draft before the Falcons unwittingly blew it up, sources said. The Broncos, who let Connor McGovern walk in free agency, wanted Temple center Matt Hennessey, whose brother, Thomas, is Gang Green’s long snapper.

Jets general manager Joe Douglas was going to drop from No. 79 to No. 83 and pick up an additional late-rounder (No. 178 or No. 181 overall), so that the Broncos could get Hennessy to take over for McGovern, who signed a three-year deal with the Jets in free agency.

But Atlanta killed the deal when it grabbed Hennessy with the No. 78 selection.

So Douglas, who made three trades in his first draft, took Florida defensive end Jabari Zuniga at No. 79. Zuniga, who dubbed himself the “steal of the draft,” has been shelved all season with a quad injury suffered in training camp.

The Broncos settled for LSU center Lloyd Cushenberry with the No. 83 pick. Cushenberry, who has played every snap in the first three games, has had his fair share of challenges adjusting calls to account for blitzes. Denver allowed six sacks against the Buccaneers last week.

Meanwhile, Hennessy has transitioned to a rotational role at left guard in Atlanta.

Injury updates: Jets wide receiver Breshad Perriman will be sidelined a second straight game because of a sprained left ankle.

Hewas ruled out, as expected, Wednesday for the Jets’ home game Thursday night against Denver. Perriman was injured during New York’s loss to San Francisco on Sept. 20.