Whether they want to admit it or not, the New York Jets have a major question mark at quarterback heading into 2017. Here are the top five quarterbacks they should consider drafting.
Nov 26, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) throws a pass against Duke Blue Devils during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
In the 2017 NFL Draft, the New York Jets will need to address the quarterback position to help become successful again. With the end of the Ryan Fitzpatrick era finally coming, the New York Jets will need to address that position in this year’s draft.
Hopefully this time they will make the right decision because many fans are fed up with who the Jets have been using. It won’t be easy but they need to make the correct organization decision.
There have been a few impressive quarterbacks in college that the Jets will need to look at. Many of them will be playing in their school’s college football bowl game. So this will be one of their many auditions to impress the NFL organizations including the Jets. It will be interesting to see what approach this organization is heading in this offseason.
Now let’s take a look at who are the top five quarterbacks the Jets should look at for this upcoming NFL draft.
Oct 15, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) attempts a pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
5. Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina
From watching Trubisky this year on television he seems to be a naturally gifted athlete. He features a very strong throwing arm and very good mobility. He has the arm strength needed to attack the deep part of the field and also put some power behind the ball.
His biggest problems come with his feel for positioning and mechanics. This a major issue and something that will take some time to correct. He has plenty of areas of need to improve on which could be fixed if he is coached right by the certain coach.
Trubisky has a habit of falling off his throws rather than stepping towards his target. There are plenty of occasions where his sideline throws float to the target. His accuracy suffers because he releases the football with an open shoulder.
The offense of North Carolina is based on getting the ball out as quick as possible. With this type of offense, it shows Trubisky has picked some bad habits. He has the potential to develop into a strong quarterback. He plays with great effort and is willing to stretch the field and make plays with his feet.
Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball in the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Clemson Tigers won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
4. Deshaun Watson, Clemson
Watson has been in the spotlight throughout his football career since his high school years. He has proved his talents to be superior to his fellow classmates in 2014. The twenty-year-old only lost one game in 2015 as the quarterback for the Clemson Tigers.
Watson has mobility and escapability, he has the tools of a current quarterback in the NFL, Russell Wilson. He escapes the pocket better than anyone in college football and can extend plays when they break down. When on the move, you can see him kick into second gear with good vision of the field in front of him.
His accuracy is another thing Watson is fairly known for as he can fit the ball into tight windows. He is also able to hit deep fade routes in the back corner of the end zone. On shorter routes, he typically has incredible accuracy and ball placement.
He shows the leadership and smartness on the field which organizations look for. He would be great to have as another option at quarterback for the Jets.
Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws a pass against the Southern California Trojans during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
3. DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame
Kizer shows the leadership and skill under big pressure after stepping in for Zaire. Kizer’s contributions as a runner confirmed him as a dual-threat quarterback. He now holds the school’s record for rushing touchdowns and he led Notre Dame to a winning season with a bowl game.
Kizer has the size you look for in an NFL quarterback and he has shown the ability to make huge plays. He has an arm capable of deep passes and also demonstrates solid pocket presence for his first season.
Kizer will be looking to continue to improve in other areas of his game, particularly on his turnovers. His draft stock will depend on his performance this season which is all up to him.
He has worked very hard to earn his starting position as he beat out two other starters that were in front of him. He shows the heart and dedication to want to be better and brings great leadership to the table.
Nov 26, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) throws a pass against Duke Blue Devils during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Miami won 40-21. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
2. Brad Kaaya, Miami
Brad has plenty of size that should fit well with the NFL mold, but above all else is his toughness. During this season, he has taken several hard shots in games and kept getting up without any problems.
He handles pressure very well and can move in the pocket to buy himself time to extend plays. He is able to reset his feet and deliver accurate passes. He also isn’t flustered by incoming blitzes and keeps calm in the grand scheme of things.
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He stands tall in the pocket and can deliver pinpoint passes down the field on time and in rhythm. Kaaya shows no fear in attacking defenses with deep strikes.
Kaaya will take his shots when circumstances seem favorable to it and more than not produces a big play. He is a true leader that isn’t afraid of the big game plays that need to happen to win football games. Since the Jets aren’t 100 percent sure what they have in Bryce Petty or Christian Hackenberg, it’s best to keep drafting more quarterbacks to have options down the road just in case.
1. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State
Mason has ideal size and bulk for the quarterback position and he is able to easily see over his offensive line. He can hold up after contact and he has the size and arm strength to keep up with anything coming his way. Rudolph has very good zip on his passes to be able to generate big plays across the field.
While he is able to throw a bucket pass, Rudolph needs to be more consistent as there are times he gets too much air under the football. HIs interception total would be much higher if his receivers didn’t bail him out so often.
He is a stiff thrower who features a long throwing motion as he is very mechanical with his delivery. He struggles to get a grip on the ball which often results in late throws on screen plays.
He doesn’t process information quick enough. If anything, he would be another developmental player for the Jets but has the skill-set to possibly be a quality starting quarterback in the future.
