All signs point to Jets drafting a QB with No. 3 pick

As the New York Jets prepare for their most important draft in franchise history, all signs clearly point to them drafting a quarterback over anything else.

When the New York Jets sent shockwaves across the football world when they traded up from the No. 6 overall pick to No. 3 in the 2018 NFL Draft, it was done with one strategic mindset. No, it wasn’t because they want to take a top offensive weapon, bolster their offensive line, or add the next primetime cornerback.

Make no mistake about it, the Jets traded up since they undoubtedly need to draft their next future franchise quarterback. Anything else would be considered an epic fail in the grand scheme of things while also adding more to the “same old Jets” mantra that has plagued the franchise for decades now.

Playing devil’s advocate for a moment, at this point in time, the Cleveland Browns have the No. 1 pick followed by the New York Giants at No. 2 and then the Jets with No. 3. For argument’s sake, even if both the Browns and Giants draft a quarterback (highly unlikely but one never knows come draft time), the Jets are still guaranteeing themselves one of the quarterbacks in the Big 4.

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Whether it’s Josh Rosen, Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, or Sam Darnold, the Jets are going to end up with one of these players to train, coach, and develop for a bright future under center. No, they’re not going to draft running back Saquon Barkley or offensive guard Quenton Nelson. They’ll also likely pass on cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick.

It would be tempting for any of these great players but the Jets haven’t had any luck in what seems like forever when it comes to finally having a consistent and winning young quarterback in the mix.

That should hopefully change once they’re on the clock and boldly make their decision to finally address their quarterback situation once and for all. Otherwise, general manager Mike Maccagnan will likely not hear the end of it if he goes in any other direction that isn’t drafting a quarterback. It all comes down to drafting one since the signs are clearly evident.

The Jets brought back Josh McCown and also signed Teddy Bridgewater via free agency, both to one-year deals. Ideally, they’re setting themselves up to have a great situation in place for next season where a newly drafted rookie quarterback can sit back, learn, develop, and get prepared for when their number is called. McCown and Bridgewater are both high-quality mentors and have had success on the field when they both started in their respective pasts.

Maccagnan has also had or has scheduled private workouts with every quarterback in the Big 4 with the exception of Sam Darnold, whom he probably won’t schedule a visit with since the Jets already have extensive scouting material on. For the Jets to consider using the No. 3 overall pick on a running back, offensive guard, cornerback, or even a defensive end, would be considered one of the biggest mistakes to ever hit this team. Hopefully, Maccagnan does what this franchise desperately needs and selects a quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick that is ready to be the next big thing to hit the city that never sleeps.