The New York Jets signed veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick this offseason, presumably to either start or light a fire under incumbent quarterback Geno Smith, a second-round pick in 2013 who has yet to pan out. That logic may not be sound though, as rumors swirl the Jets are increasingly interested in drafting a rookie quarterback.
The question is how high do they plan on taking a passer?
Jameis Winston is expected to go first overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; there have been rumors that some in Tampa Bay's front office are not sold on Winston's character, but he remains the frontrunner to go No. 1 overall.
At No. 2, the Tennessee Titans appear to have a need at quarterback, but could be satisfied with Zach Mettenberger running the show. In fact, David Climer of The Tennessean said Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt views Mettenberger as "the poor man's Tom Brady."
If that's the case, then it is very possible the Jets are working out a way to trade for Tennesee's No. 2 overall pick so they can snag Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. New Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan said himself that a trade is possible.
"Sitting at six is a very good spot to be in," Maccagnan said. "It does allow us the potential to move up in the draft because we're not far from the first pick."
There are questions about Mariota's readiness to play in the NFL. He's not a traditional drop-back passer, and he runs often a la Russell Wilson. He did not run a pro-style offense with the Ducks either, so his 42 touchdown passes against four interceptions last year will be taken with a grain of salt by some scouts and organizations. Also, judging from what the Washington Redskins paid the St. Louis Rams to move up for Robert Griffin III, and then surveying their return is a frightening thought.
The Jets may also stay put, address another need with the sixth pick, and take a flier on UCLA's Brett Hundley or Baylor's Bryce Petty in Round 2. Hundley is a bigger, more athletic player than Petty but he is also more raw as an NFL-ready passer.
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