Josh Allen is the franchise quarterback Jets need

The New York Jets made a blockbuster trade to move up in this year’s draft in order to get their next franchise quarterback. It should be for quarterback Josh Allen out of Wyoming.

The New York Jets came one step closer to landing their future franchise quarterback last Saturday when they made a blockbuster trade with the Indianapolis Colts to jump from sixth to third in the 2018 NFL Draft. The initial reaction may be that the Jets gave up to much by parting ways with three second-round draft picks (two from this year and one from 2019).

The fact that general manager Mike Macaggnan was able to pull this move off without having to give up a future first-round pick should be deemed a success. For instance, in 2016 to move from eight up to two, the Philadelphia Eagles sent the Cleveland Browns a third and fourth rounder as well as their 1029 first round pick and this year’s second-round pick.

Back in 2012 when the Washington Redskins traded with the Los Angeles Rams to jump from six to two they gave up a king’s ransom that centered around three of Washington’s future first-round picks. Some may also criticize this move because the Jets likely won’t be able to decide between the three top quarterbacks by picking third.

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While this is fair, when you’re as desperate as the Jets are to find a long-term solution at the quarterback position, you’ll take whatever you can get. While they may not get their pick of the litter, being at three instead of six guarantees the Jets will come away with at least one of the highly touted prospects which is exactly what the Jets plan B was if they missed out on the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes.

The recent speculation has been that the Browns will take Sam Darnold with the first overall pick which would leave Josh Rosen and Josh Allen as possible targets for Gang Green. The New York Giants, who own the 2nd pick are a true wild card. There are several different directions that the Jets crosstown rival could decide to go in such as taking a quarterback of their own, drafting someone like Saqoun Barkley or Bradley Chubb, and even trading the pick to perhaps someone like Buffalo who may be looking to jump into the quarterback frenzy.

Without speculating too much, you would think the likeliest scenario would be that the Giants either take one of the remaining quarterbacks or trade the picks for a bundle of draft picks to a team that will. If this plays out, the Jets will be left with either Rosen or Allen but which one it would be is too close to call. Rosen is viewed as the more polished and pro-ready prospect, while Allen has a rocket of an arm with possibly the most potential of any player in the draft, but Is seen by scouts as much more of a longterm project.

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This makes Allen the perfect option for the Jets. With the signings of Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater, Allen barring injury would not have to take a single snap for the Jets in his rookie season. This would give him a great opportunity to sit back study the playbook, work out some of the mechanical issues, and learn from one of the best player coaches in McCown. While drafting the guy with the biggest potential can sometimes be a risky move, the Jets provide a perfect situation for Allen to develop at his own pace, grow into his undoubted potential, and one day become the jets franchise signal caller. Allen has the potential to be something special in the future.

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