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New York Jets: Top Insider Predicts Swerve at Quarterback

By Erik Lambert

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Josh Rosen #3, quarterback of the UCLA Bruins, warms up before the game against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on September 9, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Josh Rosen #3, quarterback of the UCLA Bruins, warms up before the game against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on September 9, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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It’s no secret the New York Jets are going to take a quarterback in the NFL draft. Otherwise, they never would’ve traded up like they did.

The only question remaining is who they will take. That depends on what happens with the first two picks. Cleveland is also expected to take a quarterback at #1 overall. There is a massive tug-of-war between experts about who that will be. The current favorite is Sam Darnold out of USC. However, the strong-armed Josh Allen of Wyoming continues to get prominent buzz as a dark horse to steal that spot.

The wild card of the bunch is the New York Giants at #2. They’ve hinted strongly that taking a quarterback is not in their plans, preferring instead to rebuild the roster around Eli Manning for one last shot at the Super Bowl. On the other hand, there is a strong belief that stance would change if Cleveland were to pass on Darnold, whom they reportedly covet.

This is why most mock drafts have the Jets securing Heisman winner Baker Mayfield at #3. Belief is he’ll be on the board and is the most proven player at the position. However, Peter King of the MMQB doesn’t think that’s the case.

Josh Rosen may be built to play in New York more than Mayfield

King understands the reasons why Mayfield is so heavily connected to the Jets. At the same time, when it comes to a talent and personality that fits the franchise, he explained in his official mock draft why it has to be Josh Rosen.

"“Could be Baker Mayfield, easily. And there have been times in this process when I was sure it would be Mayfield. But I give the Jets the surest QB thing in this draft, as long as you can live with the specter of his two documented concussions and all the noise (which I consider total bullcrap) about Rosen’s life of other interests. The Jets need a player who can be suave, sophisticated and ready for Broadway, and this quarterback is as ready as any since Namath.”"

Rosen remains the black sheep of this quarterback crop. While his talent as a passer is unquestioned, fears linger about his personality. Some worry about his love for football based on his vast interests in other things. They think he’ll fade out quickly in the NFL when it really gets challenging. Others think he’s too arrogant for his own good, unable to provide quality leadership.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: The Patriots Call Tom Brady’s Bluff

At the same time, these were similar problems referenced about Namath. He was an arrogant playboy coming out of Alabama. He also had big interests outside of football, including his own television show and nightclub. That didn’t stop him from winning a Super Bowl and having a Hall of Fame career.

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