The New York Jets have been without a franchise quarterback since Joe Namath. After all that time - and especially after six years of Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith - Jets fans are desperate for some competent quarterback play. Fortunately for New York, the wait for a quality signal-caller could finally be over.
ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay, in his Mock Draft 2.0, projects the Jets will select Oregon QB and Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota . Here's what McShay had to say about the pick:
"Mariota could slide even further than this on draft day, but I think this pick makes sense for the Jets given their need at QB and the presence of Chan Gailey at offensive coordinator. Gailey can adapt his scheme to any QB and has a history with spread-formation offenses, so he's capable of providing Mariota with a smooth transition to the NFL from his up-tempo spread system at Oregon. Mariota has rare athleticism for the QB position (including prototypical size) and outstanding intangibles, but his one area of concern - consistently being able to win from the pocket - is the most important trait you need to succeed at the NFL level. So how a team caters its approach to him and develops him as an accurate passer from the pocket will be critical."
However, not everyone is so sure the draft will play out like McShay thinks.
"I've yet to hear anyone actually working in NFL scouting/personnel who would draft Jameis Winston ahead of Marcus Mariota," Les Bown of the Philadelphia Daily News tweeted.
It's possible that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who hold the No. 1 overall pick, could fall in love with Mariota and scoop him up at the top of the draft. The Jets, along with a handful of other interested teams, could find themselves in a position where they have to trade up in order to get one of the top two QB prospects.
