New York Jets: Is Marcus Mariota too good to pass up?

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Mar 23, 2015

The New York Jets have many interesting decisions to make between now and when they play to do when on the clock come draft time. I recently evaluated their quarterback situation and have come to the realization that they may not have their future franchise quarterback currently on the roster. With Ryan Fitzpatrick most likely their best option to start come next season, it’ll be hard to tell what will happen with Geno Smith over the next few years. Should the Jets consider drafting Marcus Mariota with their No. 6 overall pick if he’s available for the taking?

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks on during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Jets 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

While I like what Fitzpatrick brings to the table, he’s realistically just a stop-gap at the position for at least another year or two. With over a decade of playing in the NFL, he’s playing towards the final stages of his career. He’ll be fine for the Jets for now but what about the future? He’s not really a long-term option at quarterback for the Jets.

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Smith has been too inconsistent and there is no guarantee he’ll even be an option for the Jets after next season. Currently signed until 2017 as per Spotrac.com, if Smith doesn’t shape up and learn as much as he can from Fitzpatrick, his tenure on the team could very well come to an end.

Matt Simms hasn’t really proven that he has the skill-set to really make some noise as a starter since he’s barely been able to crack being a real backup. Resorted to mostly third-string and practice team reps, Simms simply isn’t anywhere near what it takes to bring the Jets closer to a championship.

The Jets’ quarterback situation could actually become more stable if they simply drafted their next future franchise quarterback now and develop him for later. Mariota is indeed too good to pass up since if he’s drafted into the Jets, he would still need a year or two to learn how to run a pro offense efficiently.

While I don’t think Mariota is ready to start in the NFL just yet if he’s not in a spread/no-huddle offense, he could be groomed nicely so come 2016 or even 2017, he could be unleashed to the masses. He has all that it takes to succeed and with the right coaching, could be the next big thing to hit the NFL.

Nov 22, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws the ball before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

When it comes to developing quarterbacks, the Jets have truly dropped the ball in the past due to the inconsistency of their previous regimes. Now with a new era of leadership putting the Jets in a much better direction to succeed, there is no doubt in my mind that Mariota would get what he needs to be ready for a successful career in the pros.

Even though I know Mariota might not be available at the No. 6 overall pick, if he is it’ll be in the best interest of the Jets to not trade it away and keep him for what they’ll eventually need in the future. Considering that the Jets only have temporary and unproven options at quarterback on the roster now, it would be a great idea to prepare Mariota and develop him the right way.

Overall, I think it would behoove the Jets to keep Mariota all for themselves and build him to be their next franchise quarterback. He won’t be ready anytime soon but my goodness, he could finally be the consistent answer the Jets need at quarterback if he’s properly trained towards greatness.

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