Piece by: Effram Geller
We are reaching that time of the year again.
The NFL season has ended, and the league’s thirty two teams now look ahead to the draft, seeking to bolster existing cores or reignite the hopes of an ailing franchise. The NFL draft has always been a confusing affair, and this year’s edition has proven to be no exception, with many labeling it the most unpredictable draft in decades. Top prospects opted out this season and without a combine, many players are shrouded in mystery. It’s especially unsettling to draft a player you haven’t seen play in a year.
Jets fans are still scarred from one of the most horrendous NFL seasons in recent memory. Quarterback Sam Darnold struggled once again, and the offense underperformed, ranking dead last in both yards and points. Coach Adam Gase was fired and they are completely revamping both their front office and team culture, hiring former 49ers DC Robert Saleh as their new coach. The Jets’ most jarring move of this offseason was GM Joe Douglas’ decision to trade Darnold to the Carolina Panthers. Although this season did contain bright spots, as rookies Mekhi Becton and Denzel Mims showed promise and the defense was encouraging, it evidently was not enough for Douglas to keep Darnold around. The Jets missed out on the first pick in the draft, but they pick at both the 2nd and 23nd spot in the first round.
DRAFT A QUARTERBACK
As much as Jets fans had blindly supported Darnold, he was inarguably struggling once again. Whether it be turnovers (9-11 TD-INT) or failing to push the ball down the field, he had not shown his ability to be a franchise player. Although plenty of blame can go to Gase, Douglas decided to pull the plug on the Darnold experiment. He is seeking to help a Jets team that is in desperate need of a culture change - something that always starts at the quarterback position. Douglas will now presumably look to take a quarterback with the second pick in the draft to help jumpstart his new look Jets.
At the 2nd overall selection the Jets are in a prime spot to draft a quarterback. Although they missed out on the draft messiah, Trevor Lawrence, they can still select a franchise QB. Both Ohio State’s Justin Fields and BYU’s Zach Wilson are phenomenal prospects(better than Sam Darnold was in college). They can also pair a new quarterback with a talented wide receiver at twenty three.
Justin Fields, a 5-Star recruit out of High School and a two time Big Ten champion, has cemented himself as a top draft prospect. He is a gifted playmaker (much needed for the Jets), a talented passer and can scramble when he needs to. He isn’t perfect and often struggles beyond his first read. Concerns about him rose after he disappointed against high competition. Still, he has shown enough to prove to Jets fans he can be their franchise savior.
Zach Wilson was College Football’s 2020 wonderboy, as he propelled BYU into national relevancy. With a natural feel for the game, Wilson brings a backyard football style to the next level. He swiftly evades pressure and has elite timing when throwing downfield. The level of competition at BYU is lackluster and is far below the teams both Fields and Darnold played in college. Although proven against non power 5 teams, it is a big step into the NFL. Slight concerns have risen over Wilson’s character, but overall his flashy, energetic offensive style could bring a new feel to the Jets offense.
Although the Jets will most likely take a QB, for conjecture’s sake, let’s examine what they could have done had they kept Darnold.
PENEI SEWELL
If you're not set on any of the quarterback prospects and/or believe Sam Darnold could have led the Jets in the future, offensive tackle Penei Sewell would be the Jets’ best option. There is enough depth at the receiver position for them to draft a much needed playmaker in either the late first or second round. As important as receivers are, a strong offensive line is the most valuable asset for an offense. The Jets drafted Mekhi Becton last year to secure one of the edges, and he was phenomenal. If Sewell is drafted, the Jets are hopefully securing two top tackles on either edges on the offensive line. Not only is there good Great teams have the ability to reach for players to fill up the only whole remaining on the roster. The Jets are definitely not one of those teams. Taking the best available player is important as they continue their rebuilding process.
Penei Sewell opted out of the 2020 season, but he was a dominant force in his sophomore year. The 6’6 325 pound behemoth had both unteachable size and athleticism at the tackle position. He has good balance and gets square with his opponents in the passing game. However good Sewell is in the passing game, he is a mauler in the run game.
Whether it be getting to the second level quickly or securing combo blocs, Sewell has shown he is already an elite run blocker. Mekhi Becton is also a force in the run game, and together they can open up the run for the Jets. If the Jets do indeed take Penei Sewell then they will have a blueprint for their next pick. With their other first round pick they can take one of the many enticing receivers. With that, their offense for the future is looking much better. Darnold would have been the quarterback and would now be replaced by a cheap free agent stop gap instead of a young, inconsistent prospect. Becton and Sewell on the offensive line, and Denzel Mims paired with a rookie receiver would be a fresh, exciting look for the offense.
TRADE DOWN
At any difficult pick means that there are many players around a similar talent level, and in that scenario it’s often smart to look to trade down. This year especially, there are very few “elite” prospects. Maybe if some top player didn’t opt out it would be a different story, but outside of the QB position the top picks this year are not as valuable. If you want the Jets to trade down then you probably didn’t want them to take a quarterback. They can look to trade down to a quarterback needy team while securing future picks.
Many teams are rumored to be pursuing a trade up including the Bears, 49ers, Panthers and Lions. The Jets, as previously mentioned, have many needs and acquiring extra picks will help replenish the roster. If the Jets drop down to the 5-12 there are plenty of players who will fit their roster. They can select offensive tackle Rashawn Slater-best blocking technique in the draft, stud wide receivers Ja’marr Chase, DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle or athletic freak Kyle Pitts to help out the offense. They can also pick defensively and take a corner like Caleb Farley to fix up their secondary or one of the many top edge rushers to create pressure. Obviously, some, or even most, of these players could not be available when the Jets are on the clock. This is a risk every team takes when trading down, but they can most likely trade down while still taking a highly ranked player. With any trade however, the hardest part is finding the right partner. The second pick in the draft is a strong asset and the Jets might want teams to overpay for it.
I understand that many Jets fans are upset by the Darnold trade. It’s difficult to restart the rebuilding all over again - only three years after Darnold’s debut. However Douglas’ decision was irrefutably correct. Hypothetically speaking, let's say they kept Darnold, drafted Sewell at two and an offensive playmaker at twenty three. Even in the best case scenario, Darnold revives his career under Saleh, the defense improves and the Jets go 9-7. This is the best case scenario. The Jets would then be faced with a giant dilemma. Darnold’s contract would be up and the Jets would then have to decide whether to lock Darnold in as the future of the Jets after only one good year (and how good can he even play this year). The Jets avoided this altogether by trading Darnold.