The New York Jets reached out Sunday to Alabama running back Trent Richardson, fueling speculation they will try to orchestrate a blockbuster move to trade up.

Richardson said Wednesday he received a call from the Jets soon after arriving in New York for pre-draft festivities.

"They wanted to know my information as far as whether that's the right number to reach me in case something does happen, with them trading up," he said Wednesday at an NFL community event in Manhattan.

It's common for a team to call potential picks a few days before the draft, but it's unusual to contact a player seemingly out of reach.

The Jets, picking 16th in the first round, are exploring the possibility of moving up for Richardson, according to league sources. But it's a long shot, considering they'd probably have to jump 11 or 12 spots.

Richardson is projected to be selected fourth or fifth by the Cleveland Browns or Tampa Bay Buccaneers, respectively.

The Jets have greater needs than running back, but Richardson is the No. 1 player on their draftboard, ESPN's Sal Paolantonio reported.