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2018 NFL Draft: New York Jets should pass on a quarterback

By George Stockburger

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 23: Teddy Bridgewater
GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 23: Teddy Bridgewater /
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Now is the time for the New York Jets to stop playing NFL Draft Roulette at quarterback

Few fanbases have struggled in a franchise’s quest to find a quarterback like the New York Jets fans. Not since 39-year-old Brett Favre threw 22 interceptions in 2008 have the Jets had a Pro Bowl quarterback. Through The Sanchize, Geno Smith, Bryce Petty, Christian Hackenberg, Kellen Clemmens, Josh McCown, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and so many more atrocious starters the Jets have continuingly missed at quarterback.

With Hackenberg and Petty being the only quarterbacks on the roster entering this offseason the  Jets were favorites to pick a quarterback with the sixth overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Josh Allen, and Baker Mayfield have become the consensus top-four options at quarterback with multiple development arms projected to be available on the second and third day of the draft.

By signing both Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater the Jets appear to be saying they aren’t ready to take another spin at the table this year. Few teams carry three quarterbacks with the credentials of a high first round pick, Bridgewater, and McCown.

Bridgewater looks like he’s being brought in to be more than a bridge, but potentially the Jets starter of the future. McCown is a locker room favorite and quality backup despite his age. Why not give Bridgewater, a quarterback with more Pro Bowls than any Jets quarterback in the last decade and more playoff appearances than the Jets have since 2010, a chance?
Bridgewater looks like he’s being brought in to be more than a bridge, but potentially the Jets starter of the future. McCown is a locker room favorite and quality backup despite his age. Why not give Bridgewater, a quarterback with more Pro Bowls than any Jets quarterback in the last decade and more playoff appearances than the Jets have since 2010, a chance? /

No one knows if this is the same Bridgewater who won 11 games before dislocating his knee, but if any franchise is going to take a chance, it might as well be the Jets.

As for the sixth overall pick, the Jets are better off doing what they did last year and building the roster. Jamal Adams has been a terrific addition for this team, and the front office will have another opportunity to draft a terrific young talent. They’ll also be in the position to trade back with a team such as Buffalo and potentially acquire more first round picks to find their quarterback next year if Bridgewater doesn’t work out.

Philadelphia and Jacksonville proved you don’t need a great quarterback to win a playoff game or even a Super Bowl. It’s all about having depth across the board and building through the trenches. New York can build through the trenches by taking a linebacker, offensive lineman, or pass rusher while hoping to find a diamond in the rough with Bridgewater.

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If Bridgewater doesn’t work out, then the Jets can explore the draft next year and have that rookie quarterback play behind Quenton Nelson, alongside Saquon Barkley, or on the same team as Minkah Fitzpatrick. Should Bridgewater fail the Jets would likely have another high draft pick that would allow them to draft a quarterback in 2019 such as Jared Stidham, Drew Lock, Mason Fine, or whichever quarterback emerges next season.

If Bridgewater comes out on a “prove it” deal with a chip on his shoulder, shows that he’s healthy and can compete, the Jets will have their guy.

Next: Packers sign Jimmy Graham and Mo Wilkerson

Now is the time for the Jets to build a roster and stop taking chances at quarterback in the draft.

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