NFL Draft Analyst Advises Jets Not To Take Quarterback With No. 2 Pick
As the Jets continue to navigate their quarterback situation this offseason, the option of starting fresh at the position with a draft pick has always been an option.
If New York decides not to stick with Sam Darnold, and isn't able to swing a trade for another quarterback (like Deshaun Watson), using the No. 2 pick this spring to add a young signal-caller could be the franchise's best bet.
According to ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kyper Jr., however, New York should hesitate before choosing a quarterback second overall.
"I would do it with Watson; I wouldn't do it with a young quarterback," Kiper told ESPN's Rich Cimini this week. "I wouldn't draft a Zach Wilson or a Justin Fields this year at the 2 [spot]. I wouldn't do that."
Jets Can Reportedly Get First-Round Pick Back in Trade For Sam Darnold
While Clemson's Trevor Lawrence is expected (by almost everyone) to be the draft's top selection, mock drafts tend to vary starting with the Jets at No. 2 overall. BYU's Wilson and Ohio State's Fields are certainly tempting options, but New York could target a wide receiver (like Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith) or even an offensive linemen (Oregon's Penei Sewell).
It's safe to say general manager Joe Douglas and new head coach Robert Saleh will think long and hard before they're on the clock this spring. Those two aforementioned quarterbacks are talented, and had tremendous careers at the collegiate level, but the Jets definitely don't want to commit to someone that won't end up panning out in the NFL.
New York selected Darnold with the third pick in 2018 and the 23-year-old has struggled to develop at this level ever since. Considering how successful the Jets' following two first-rounders have been since Darnold (defensive tackle Quinnen Williams in '19 and left tackle Mekhi Becton in '20), perhaps Douglas and his staff will address another weakness before taking a quarterback.
The Jets are reportedly listening to trade offers for Darnold, so these decisions will need to be made in the near future. After all, all these options are connected to a certain extent. In a scenario where New York trades Darnold and then isn't able to acquire Watson, they may be forced to take a quarterback in the draft.
MORE ON NEW YORK'S QUARTERBACK SITUATION:
- Joe Namath: Sam Darnold Will 'Be Around For 15 Years' But Deshaun Watson Is 'Sensational'
- Jets Take Two Offensive Stars In NFL Draft Analyst's Latest Mock Draft
- Jets Acquire 49ers' Jimmy Garappolo in This Deshaun Watson Three-Team Trade Proposal
- Deshaun Watson Trade Proposal: Would Three First Round Picks From Jets Be Enough?
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