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The New York Jets Should Not Select a Quarterback in Round One

By Alan Schechter

Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) throws the ball against the Temple Owls during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) throws the ball against the Temple Owls during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Jets continue their quest for a franchise quarterback.  However, they should not draft one on the first day of the NFL draft.

Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith, Chad Pennington, Richard Todd, and the list goes on.  The New York Jets have been searching for their next franchise quarterback since the day Joe Namath went to the Rams.  Some have been close, but none have reached that status.  With that, we turn to the NFL draft to ponder whether or not the Jets can find their guy this time.

Related Story: Five First Round Draft Options for the Jets

Former general manager Ron Wolf lived by the theory of taking a quarterback in the draft every season until you find a star.  This is a solid theory and one the Jets should follow.  However, they should not take one in the first round on the night of April 28th, and here’s why.

By most accounts, the two quarterbacks that are the most “pro-ready” are Jared Goff and Carson Wentz.  However, many of the experts, including all of the recent mocks posted at NFL.com, are predicting Goff and Wentz to be the first two picks in the draft, following the blockbuster trades placing the Rams and Eagles in the first and second positions, respectively.

Paxton Lynch is a player that has been associated with the Jets in recent weeks.  Earlier this month, Lynch held his pro day, and according to Rich Cimini of ESPN, the Jets sent a four-man group to view his workout, tipping a hand that showed clear interest in the player, despite how often Mike Maccagnan uses the phrase “due diligence”.  In his pre-draft press conference, Seth Walder of the NY Daily News reported this on Maccagnan’s thoughts about the Memphis standout:

"“Paxton, I think, like a lot of the quarterbacks in this class, he has a degree of skill which is intriguing,” Maccagnan said. “He also has played in an offense that is not a traditional NFL offense. We’re actually working with Bryce (Petty), we have some familiarity with the transition you have to go from a different style of offense to an NFL style of offense, more of a pro system.”"

This again is a veiled statement of interest, talking about the fact that he is talented, and that the team is familiar with helping a QB transition from a non-traditional pro offense to a traditional one.  Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com posted his latest mock, and he likes Paxton to be chosen by the Jets at number 20.

However, most agree that it will take some transition to get Lynch ready to start.  Besides the fact that his college offense was not a pro style offense, take a look at what George Stockburger of NFL Mocks had to say:

"While the arm strength and down field accuracy are certainly there, Lynch does have some things to work on heading towards the Combine this winter. First off is making sure he doesn’t kill his receiver by hanging the ball. He does this a lot, but I’m not sure if it’s because of all the screens or it’s something in his arm motion."

Stockburger goes on to talk about some questions regarding his footwork as well, all leading to the conclusion that Lynch is not a player that will be ready to start in year one.

A quarterback selected in the first round comes with a great deal of expectations.  There is much less room for error than with a player selected on day two or three.  Add the bright lights of New York City to the equation, and the selection of Paxton Lynch at number 20 will bring with it a lot of pressure.

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The Jets cannot afford another “reach” at the quarterback position.  We have been there and done that, just ask any Jets’ fan that has had the “privilege” to of watching Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith.  They have Bryce Petty, but he was appropriately selected in the fourth round of the draft, giving him the needed amount of room to grow.

The Jets need to sign a veteran quarterback, be it Ryan Fitzpatrick or somebody else, and take a project quarterback during day two or three.  The player can come in and learn, and have the opportunity to grow into the role of finally being the quarterback the Jets have been waiting for.

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