New York Jets Becoming Favorites For Marcus Mariota
By Erik Lambert
Sep 20, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) drops back for a pass against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Mariota remains the top quarterback of the 2015 NFL draft class. After some weeks, a team is emerging as favorites for him. The New York Jets.
Geno Smith unable to grasp speed of NFL game
If for no other reason, the standings alone reflect that. At 1-5, the Jets have the second worst record in the NFL. Jacksonville and Oakland, who both are winless, each have a promising rookie quarterback already in place. Beyond that there is the simple fact they face a difficult schedule and have Geno Smith under center that gives them a leg up over other teams in the race for Mariota.
Smith was an understandable venture when he was drafted in 2013. Originally tabbed as a 1st round pick given his impressive physical skills that made him a star at West Virginia, he fell into the 2nd round where the Jets scooped him up. Scouts saw the upside, but warned that too often he showed the inability to handle well-coached defenses that demanded a quarterback to think quicker. Time has proven that warning correct. Smith hasn’t been able to progress as a pro quarterback and the Jets are paying for it with the third-fewest points scored in the league.
Rex Ryan must go if Mariota is the pick
Hard as it may be to accept, the New York Jets have to try again. They can’t ever hope to succeed in the AFC until they settle that quarterback position. If Marcus Mariota is the pick, then the first thing that needs to happen is firing Rex Ryan. For all his defensive genius, the Jets’ head coach has had two cracks at getting the quarterback problem solved, first with Mark Sanchez and then with Smith. He whiffed both times. New York can’t afford to let the same thing happen with Mariota. They will want a more offensive-friendly coaching staff in place to help develop him the way he should be. Ryan cannot offer that.
Nothing is a guarantee looking ahead to the 2015 NFL draft. However, based on trends the New York Jets are not going to win a lot of game and will be looking for a quarterback next April. If Mariota declares as expected, they can’t afford to pass on him.