Jets need to finally address the quarterback position

It’s time the New York Jets finally addressed their quarterback situation in the 2018 NFL Draft and get their next franchise player under center.

Over the weekend, the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts agreed on a trade that sent Gang Green the sixth overall pick, two 2018 second-round picks (37th overall and 49th overall) and a 2019 second-rounder for the Colts third overall pick. The move likely means the Jets will select a quarterback at number three, but who?

Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Josh Rosen, Baker Mayfield are quarterbacks assumed to be taken early in the 2018 NFL Draft. Each quarterback can be good in the NFL but has a unique ability that makes them different from each other.

Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan, head coach Todd Bowles and offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates will have to key in on what quarterback they believe can be the face of their franchise if they choose to go in that direction.

Either way, the Jets must finally address the quarterback position once and for all with one of the top players in the positional group. Who should the Jets draft when they’re on the clock at No. 3? No quarterback is perfect in this year’s draft but here is a quick recap on what makes each of these four quarterbacks special:

Sam Darnold

The 6-4 220-pound quarterback out of USC compares to another former PAC-12 quarterback, Andrew Luck. During his two seasons (27 games) at USC, Darnold passed for 7,229 yards with 57 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions. Darnold has a big arm and is great at extending plays with his legs when the pocket collapses. If Darnold is still available at three, the Jets will have a very hard time passing on him.

Josh Allen

The 6-5 233-pound quarterback showed he can be a versatile quarterback while at Wyoming. In three seasons (27 games), Allen threw for 5,066 yards, 44 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions while also using his legs to run for 773 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns. Scouts compare Allen to Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton due to his big frame, mobility, and a strong arm. He showed off his arm at the 2018 NFL Combine when he launched the ball nearly 70-yards on a dime in a drill. Allen did struggle some with his accuracy in his final season at Wyoming, completing only 56.3 percent of his passes, but the upside as a potential franchise quarterback is there.

Josh Rosen

The 6-4 218 pound quarterback out of UCLA is compared to another quarterback who plays in the same town as him, Jared Goff. In three seasons (30 games) at UCLA, he played under a new offensive coordinator each year he was there. Rosen still managed to throw for 9,340 yards, 59 touchdowns, and 26 interceptions. Many scouts believe Rosen is the most ‘NFL ready’ quarterback in the draft, but his personality can be the reason teams like the Jets stay away. If given the right opportunity and support system, Rosen can become a very special quarterback in the NFL.

Baker Mayfield

At 6-1 210 pounds, Mayfield is considered by some the most conversational quarterback out of the bunch, but the 2017 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback out of Oklahoma shows great upside. In one year at Texas Tech and three at Oklahoma (48 games total), Mayfield threw for 14,607 yards, 113 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions and added 313 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

He had the most team success out of the four, leading Oklahoma to the national semifinal game against Georgia (lost 54-48 in overtime). If the Jets feel his talent outweighs his size, Mayfield plays with a flare and has the personality that can excite a city like New York.

Either way, if the Jets do go in the direction of selecting a quarterback third overall, they may not see the field their rookie season. The Jets signed quarterbacks Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater each to one-year deals, two players that can help bridge the gap for the next quarterback.

Must Read: 30 greatest draft picks in Jets history

The Jets cannot afford to get this pick wrong. Finding a quarterback that can lead the Jets for many years to come is imperative this year. Especially for a franchise who has not won a Super Bowl since 1968.

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