Less than a week remains until the rampant Jets quarterback rumor cycle will slow down, after the Kirk Cousins pursuit and the months-long prospect evaluations have kept the Big Apple’s AFC team at the center of many offseason news cycles.
But the identity of Gang Green’s hopeful franchise quarterback remains unknown, and the latest coming out of Jets headquarters centers on two players — with a catch.
New York would likely be quick to take Sam Darnold if the USC-developed passer remained on the board at No. 3. Though they didn’t work him out, the Jets finalized a Darnold visit because of the signs the Browns may pass on him at No. 1, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.tv reports. But if he goes to either the Browns or Giants, the Jets look to be engaged in an interesting debate.
Although the Jets were the only team to trek to Laramie, Wyo., to work out Josh Allen, the latest noise related to their No. 3 overall pick centers on a Baker Mayfield-or-Josh Rosen decision. Brian Costello of the New York Post describes a “hearty debate” among Jets brass about the merits of the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner or the brash UCLA product who may be the most pro-ready passer in this draft. Both Schwartz and Vacchiano expect Darnold to be the pick if he’s still there at 3, but if he’s gone, these contingency talks could decide the Jets’ future.
Mike Maccagnan was reportedly a Mayfield skeptic earlier the pre-draft process, with Rosen having the early advantage in this head-to-head comparison, but Vacchiano notes the fourth-year GM looks to have warmed up to him. The Jets’ concerns about how Mayfield would handle the New York market look to have diminished as well. All four of the top QB prospects visited the Jets, but they did the most work on Allen.
As we heard earlier this month, the Jets have concerns about Allen’s readiness — mostly based on his accuracy at Wyoming — and may not be especially interested in the 6-foot-5 prodigy. However, a Jets faction “loves” Allen’s skill set. Allen falling past the Browns would create an interesting scenario, because the Giants appear to be zeroing in on Darnold or Saquon Barkley at No. 2. His being there at No. 4 could make the Browns’ second first-round pick valuable for QB-seeking teams, because John Elway — whose Broncos hold the No. 5 selection — has a history of preferring this type of quarterback.
The Jets did not call the Giants about moving to No. 2 instead of No. 3, but Vacchiano reports the NFC’s Big Apple team would have listened to an offer. With the Jets having surrendered three second-round picks to move up to the Colts’ slot, though, Vacchiano notes there is a feeling in the building that the team has already made its big move and is set to stay at No. 3 and pick its favorite quarterback remaining.
If your biggest concern is mayfields off the field concerns, then he is your man. If you think he is the better qb on the field, just have amendments in the contract protecting you from him becoming manziel 2.0 (which won’t happen…he may bust, but it won’t be because of partying or not caring to study the playbook.)
Should have stayed down at 6. A QB will still be available there
Agreed. They’d have been better served. A solid pick would’ve been had there, and still maintain those number twos.
Maybe not. A team couldve traded with the Colts (like the Bills) and the Giants AND Denver could possibly want a QB too. So effectively the number 3 spot guarantees that at least 2 of the top 4 QB choices will be there. Still a bit of an overpay though
Rosen may be the most pro-ready passer, but he is also the most injury prone quarterback of the top signal callers in this draft. He had several injuries at UCLA. Mayfield has been durable & is an accurate passer. He has the mindset to succeed in New York.
I think Josh Allen has the most upside of all the QB’s. But I don’t think he’s ready to start in the NFL from jump. Houston has a few questions marks as well , but he’s an incredible athlete .
For all you Jets fans that are in love with Mayfield because of his fistyness, and comparisons to Brees, Wilson. Let me say this I wish Mayfield nothing but the best and hope he succeeds. However, I think if you pass on Rosen you are going to pay for it. Rosen yes has had injuries. Yes he has other interests as well. However, stop looking at the food on pictures so much and look at the actual tapes and games. Mayfield throws a sloppy spiral. He is a 5’9, 6’0 QB. Without the mobility of Russell Wilson. He is a bone head and I don’t know if I can trust him in key situations. Bowels and Mayfeild will clash and it won’t be good for the team. Also, Rosen has it all. He has the arm strength the mobility that you want out of a QB, he has the pocket awareness. He is going to prove many teams wrong in this league just wait and see. Let’s stop with the feel good story. Let’s look at history name me 1 QB that has came out of the big 12 that has had success in the NFL? None the Jets can t be that stupid to pass on this guy and have him wind up with the Patriots, or Bills, or Broncos and have to face him 2, 3 times a year. Sorry Jets fans but I’m not looking for flash I’m looking for the best QB, the best player with that pick and that position and since Darnold won’t be there at 3. Rosen is the guy.
Mayfield is the second coming of Manziel. I’m the jets, I don’t even think of picking him. They should pick Darnold or Rosen