Written by Sam Gutkin
On the 9th day of Christmas, Joe Douglas gave to me, not picking a QB
With the New York Jets' miraculous victory this week over the Los Angeles Rams, they are no longer in line for the #1 pick in the draft. They could re-acquire this pick if they lose out and the Jacksonville Jaguars win, and they could move to the #3 pick with another win and two Cincinnati Bengals losses, but most likely #2 is where they shall stay.
The obvious first pick in the draft in Clemson Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and as much as I don't want the Jets to take him with that pick (should they get it), I understand that that is the reality of the situation. The second pick could go many different ways though, and two of the most common predictions for that draft slot are Ohio State QB Justin Fields and BYU QB Zach Wilson. These are both terrible selections for the Jets that will derail their franchise for years to come.
Justin Fields is an incredibly talented QB who has put up some spectacular numbers in the Big Ten. He has struggled against top-tier competition though, which can be seen especially clearly in throwing five picks in Ohio States' only two challenge games this year (Indiana and Northwestern) as well as two interceptions in their CFP loss vs Clemson last year. He also has benefited greatly from being surrounded by so much talent at OSU, which he won't have in New York, as the most valuable draft capital will be spent on him. Finally, not to be "that guy" but can anybody tell me a successful Ohio State QB in the NFL? that's what I thought.
Zach Wilson played great this year... for a group of five school... who didn't play a single game vs a power five team. He has played five games vs power five teams in previous years, in which he threw four interceptions and five touchdowns. They won two of the five games. Is he a Very talented college QB who may end up a solid pro QB? yes? Is he worth a #2 pick? no. Is he good enough to succeed with the Jets around him? definitely not.
I have serious doubts about Lawrences' (or any QBs) ability to succeed in the Jets organization right now. With that being said, if anybody can do it it's him. Sadly for Darnold haters, he is no longer an option and the dream of a new QB must be moved on from. The other QBs available in this draft are no better than the QBs available in any other years draft, and if one of them is picked I'm CERTAIN in three years the Jets will be in the SAME situation and will be tanking to replace Fields/Wilson with that year's Heisman winner. This year's draft must be used to add offensive and defensive weapons so that Gase's replacement and Darnold can have a successful 2021. IF Darnold fails even with the improved situation around him (he won't) there will be a Fields/Wilson level talent out there next year, and that new QB will come into a reasonable situation, which will greatly help their development and maybe just end this losing cycle.
What specifically should be done with the #2 pick? well, there's plenty of options. The Jets could take Offensive Lineman Penei Sewell, or Wide Receiver Ja'Marr Chase. They could also trade down and get literally any defensive player. Joe Douglas is a great drafter and with a pick this good there are very few ways he could mess it up. All that matters is they do literally anything that isn't drafting a Quarterback.
Stay tuned for our 10th wish tomorrow as the Ridin' Pine #12DaysofChristmas series continues!