Quarterback Shouldn’t Be First Option for Jets’ Draft Plans

Yes, we all know of Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. Some may even know of Josh Allen. But are those the players, or position, that the Jets really should be looking at?

The Jets, shockingly, are a “middle of the pack” team at the moment. They currently own the 7th overall pick with a 4-7 record. However, the Oakland Raiders, who own the 17th pick in the draft, are 5-6, only one game better than the Jets. So although 7th pick may seem early, the Jets can easily fall out of the top 10, or even top 15 by the end of the year.

Quarterback?

There is plenty of talent at QB in this draft class, including Darnold, Rosen, Mayfield, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. There is no question the Jets need a quarterback, but is the draft the location to find one? The quarterbacks entering the free agency next year are intriguing, which include Teddy Bridgewater, Kirk Cousins, Tyrod Taylor and even Case Keenum.

Yes, one of, if not the biggest need for the Jets is the quarterback position. There is no question. But, rookie quarterbacks can often be shaky, and GM Mike Maccagnan knows this. We have seen the Jets be very defense heavy in the early rounds of drafts. Every first round pick since 2010: Jamal Adams, Darron Lee, Leonard Williams, Calvin Pryor III, Sheldon Richardson, Dee Milliner, Quinton Coples, Muhammad Wilkerson, and Kyle Wilson. See a trend? Zero offensive players. In fact, the last offensive player the Jets took in the first round was Mark Sanchez. Mark. Sanchez. Maccagnan has only been around since 2015, but still. The Jets do not like offensive players in round 1.

Cornerback?

Although this rejuvenated defense has played somewhat well throughout the season, the Jets are tied for 24th in the NFL in passing touchdowns allowed. Morris Claiborne and the rookie safety duo has played well, but others have struggled. This defense could use a solid cornerback to add the final piece of the puzzle. Denzel Ward, cornerback out of Ohio State, is one that I personally like. He would be a great number two corner behind Claiborne, if he resigns. Plus, Denzel is a great special teams player, being awarded defense/special teams All-Big Ten First Team.

Denzel Ward is incredible. Bummer Browns don’t draft Buckeyes..

— Damon Kecman (@DownWithDamon) November 18, 2017

Offensive Line?

The offensive line isn’t typically a position most fans like to see in round one, but the Jets need another lineman. Badly.

The run game is wildly inconsistent, and McCown has been sacked 35 times, 6th highest in the NFL. And if you watch games, you see all the holding penalties and poor blocking. There are solid lineman in this draft class, including Ohio State center Billy Price, and Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson. It would shock me if the Jets select an offensive lineman in round one, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Yes, we all may think Rosen, Mayfield or any of the quarterbacks may be the answer, but is it? And even if it is, will Maccagnan really go for the risk? Time will tell, and all Jets’ fans can do is pray for a solid outcome.

– James Cunningham is a staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @nyjfansnation Follow @FPC_Jets