The New York Jets are going to be linked to quarterbacks in every draft conversation until it happens, and that’s just the reality of the situation. When you’re picking inside the top 20 TWICE and don’t have a long-term option under center, that talk will have to continue.
However, that doesn’t mean forcing the issue is the smartest move, especially for a front office that finally has flexibility.
That’s why the idea of the Jets landing Makai Lemon at No. 16 makes a lot of sense to me. Lemon needs a quarterback to throw him the football, but he’s still an incredible talent.
As things stand, the Jets aren’t in a position to get cute, as they need to land good players and go with that.
With multiple premium picks spread over the next two drafts, general manager Darren Mougey doesn’t have to reach and draft a quarterback they don’t want.
Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic predicted Lemon would be the guy for the Jets with the pick they landed from the Indianapolis Colts, a move that makes sense.
“The Jets could be in the quarterback mix this year, obviously. But with so many picks in hand over the next two drafts, GM Darren Mougey has a chance to just sit and take the best player every time. If nothing else, the Jets should have plenty of exciting young talent next season,” he wrote.
What I like most about Lemon at No. 16 is that it’s a bet on him being as good in college as he was in the NFL. The league is built around what players like Lemon do, and he not only does them, but his speed, pass-catching ability, and more are very impressive.
For a Jets offense that has struggled to do anything of significance in recent years, it feels like they could use a player to pair with Garrett Wilson, who also needs more help in his own right.
There’s also a long-term element here that shouldn’t be ignored. If the Jets do end up drafting a quarterback now or next year, surrounding that player with young, cheap weapons is how they can be as good as they hope to be one day.