New York Jets should pass on Marcus Mariota

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Feb 16, 2015

The New York Jets are in an interesting situation this offseason as they prepare to do what is necessary in order to bounce back from a 4-12 finish in 2014.

They have many issues, specifically at cornerback, linebacker and, of course, at quarterback. The Jets can get all the offensive weapons they want this offseason but it won’t mean anything without a quarterback leading the charge.

Everyone believes that quarterback Marcus Mariota might fall to the Jets with their sixth overall draft pick but they should actually pass on him and trade the pick to make a blockbuster move.

It’s no secret that the Philadelphia Eagles really want Mariota. Head coach Chip Kelly knows that he can have Mariota step right into his high-octane offense and truly make magic. Nobody really knows what Kelly and the Eagles will do but most mock drafts have Mariota slipping down to when the Jets are on the clock.

Should that scenario happen, the Jets would be in a great situation to trade the pick to not only land a proven quarterback for one of their main needs but also give the Eagles what they want.

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Both sides would prosper since if this does indeed happen. The Jets could perhaps land Nick Foles or even other players that would fill immediate needs.

Since the Eagles will want to be “all in” with making Mariota their franchise quarterback, this ideal situation could work wonders for both teams.

Foles would be able to give the Jets stability on offense while also grooming Geno Smith the right way. While many want to see Smith run out of town, truth of the matter is he was never developed properly.

Smith still has potential to make it provided he gets the right support and leadership around him as soon as possible. I’m one of the few believers that he was rushed too soon into the spotlight and if he learned the correct way from the sidelines learning from a veteran, perhaps he wouldn’t have played as poorly. I’m confident he could play at the NFL level but just needs to be given the confidence around building upon his strengths.

Oct 26, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Eagles 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

It would be a fair trade for the Jets to part ways with the sixth overall pick in the draft for Foles and a future first-roundpick. It might be a high asking price but the stakes are indeed that high when drafting your next franchise quarterback.

Of course the Jets could very well draft Mariota for their own reasons but a part of me feels he just isn’t the right guy for the Jets. They don’t have the weapons or offensive playbook as compared to the Eagles, a team that that obviously have a better suited system for him to succeed in.

I honestly believe Mariota could indeed be something special. But he’s a work in progress unless he’s paired with his old Oregon Ducks coach in Kelly. If he landed with the Jets, they don’t exactly have the best track record of developing quarterbacks.

It’s best that New York listen to all offers that could land them a proven veteran quarterback and then some. Plus who knows what or who else they can acquire in a deal should they want to trade down in the draft.

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