New York Jets should not take a QB with No. 2 pick in 2021 NFL Draft

No available quarterback is clearly better than Sam Darnold

As the draft process takes its course, it is common for people to fall in love with the quarterbacks. In an evaluator’s mind, it is the most important position on a roster to evaluate and sometimes aspects of prospects could be overlooked.

One aspect that was missed when evaluating 2015 first overall pick Jameis Winston was how he handled pressure in the pocket. When Winston was under pressure in college, it looked like he would throw the ball down field as far as he could. It felt like at times he didn’t even look at where he was throwing. This translated to the NFL where Winston was incapable of keeping his interceptions to a minimum and is the reason why he is no longer a starting quarterback.

After Trevor Lawerence, the other quarterbacks who will be selected in the first round should not be viewed as sure things. It isn’t farfetched to say that, besides Zach Wilson, none of Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Mac Jones are ready to start for an NFL team in year one.

The New York Jets know what they are getting with Sam Darnold. Despite a lot of lackluster performances, Darnold has shown flashes that he could still be the player many projected him to be coming out of USC when he looked like a favorite to go first overall.

Teams around the league still believe that Darnold can be that player. This is evident from his trade value being so high. Darnold is allowed to place the blame of his failures on to Adam Gase’s and his coaching staff and the little help management had put around him in order to succeed.

The New York Jets must realize it doesn’t make much sense to draft a quarterback second overall that likely should not play in 2021 when they have a quarterback on their roster that is a proven starter who has shown glimpses of high upside. Especially since next season, the Jets should have much better pieces around the quarterback to help him succeed. One of those major pieces could be added with the second overall pick.