New York Jets: Assessing the plethora of team needs before the 2021 NFL Draft

4. Quarterback

While I am a believer that Sam Darnold can still be a solid NFL quarterback, I think a change of scenery might do him well. With a new coach and some new weapons on offense, Darnold could turn things around with the New York Jets, but holding the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, I think a split with Darnold is inevitable.

Assuming that Trevor Lawrence goes first overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars as anticipated, the New York Jets would have their choice of any other football player in the 2021 NFL Draft. Sometimes that first “non-quarterback” player is a slam dunk like Chase Young last year. This year, that’s not the case.

I believe that the New York Jets will select a quarterback with the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Whether that is Justin Fields, Zach Wilson, or even Trevor Lawrence remains to be seen. But I think a change under center would be good for both parties involved.

A new coaching regime can come in and start things with “their guy”. Whoever that may be. With Lawrence off the board, both Fields and Wilson bring something dynamic to the table. Fields is outstanding when using his legs to extend plays to find the home run down the field or pick up yardage on the ground. Wilson has an absolute cannon with the arm talent to make every NFL throw.

Even if the New York Jets bring in a defensive-minded head coach like Robert Saleh, a shiny new quarterback is always a fun toy to have. The Jets have been underwhelming under Darnold, his fault or not, so a fresh start may be needed atop the 2021 NFL Draft.