NFL
By: Edwin Duodu
Win or Lose in Week 17; the New York Jets are locked in to select second overall in this year’s upcoming draft. After losing their first 13 games of the season, New York has suddenly rebounded to win two straight games. The first, led by a defensive inspired effort against the Los Angeles Rams, in which the Jets held them to 2-11 on third down and forced a turnover. The following week against the Cleveland Browns, New York’s defense held the Browns third-rated rushing attack to just 45 yards and 16 points for the day. According to many people, the team played inspired football at the wrong time because the fanbase lost out on the potential reality of drafting Trevor Lawrence as the organization’s savior at quarterback. With a record of 1-14 and one more game to play, the Jacksonville Jaguars are now the sole leaders of the first overall pick. However, this may be a blessing in disguise for New York, as they now have, albeit challenging, a plethora of options going forward. Let’s take a look at what the organization can do to be competent in the future.
Start over and draft a QB:
Drafting Trevor Lawrence would’ve been a no brainer for any organization that needs a quarterback. Lucky for the New York Jets, there is still a range of suitable options at the position that the team can evaluate throughout the draft process. Justin Fields from Ohio State has only played six games this season but still looks like the second-best quarterback overall in this draft. Fields last season threw for 3273 yards to go along with 41 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Brigham Young University’s electrifying quarterback Zach Wilson looks like one of the most fun names to watch in college football. Trey Lance is turning heads while playing for North Dakota State University. Make no mistake about it; all of these prospects carry more question marks and concerns than Trevor Lawrence. However, being drafted overall doesn’t guarantee success in this league when you look at Deshaun Watson, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and of course, Patrick Mahomes. If the Jets are sold on the idea of keeping Sam Darnold, they may find a gem in this year’s draft.
Be Aggressive in Free Agency:
The Jets are expected to have the offseason with nearly $100 million in cap space. Spend the money, New York! Whoever is under center next season will need a good supporting cast to aid in being competitive and playing meaningful games down the stretch. The Jets need positions filled at wide receiver, tight end, offensive line, cornerback, and edge rusher. Some notable players that stand out and could fill in a need for the team include A. J. Green, Hunter Henry, Allen Robison, Shaquil Barrett, Chris Godwin, Joe Thuney, and more. Life while drafting will be so much easier if General Manager Joe Douglass can fill holes in the team prior. Last season Douglass took the safe approach in signing free agents to one-year deals and searching through the crop of second graded players. Now is the time to do a little more.
Draft the best non-quarterback available:
Does Joe Douglass stick to his philosophy of building through the trenches and select Oregon tackle Penei Sewell? He would be a great addition to an offensive that has underperformed this season. There are also elite choices at wide receiver in Alabam’s DeVonta Smith and LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase with the No. 2 pick. Both players could prove to be that No. 1 receiver that fans have been crying out for in the past. Or could Douglass strengthen the defense by selecting Alabam cornerback Patrick Surtain II or Penn State University linebacker Micah Parsons? Regardless of who New York chooses, either one of these players would fill an immediate need in the team.
Trade Back and build around Sam Darnold:
At No. 2 overall, the team has an advantage of trying to trade back and fill in more in the team. That would essentially mean that the Jets are sticking with Sam Darnold as their guy. If that’s the case, Douglass would need to do a better job of putting more younger pieces around him in the draft. He’s already started that process early, notably by trading All-Pro safety Jamal Adams for two first-round picks. Trading back in this year’s draft would only solve more issues that the team has. So far, Douglass has done a stable job in his first full draft as a general manager. Now it’s time for him to do it again.
