NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

New York Jets: 3 Top targets with third overall pick in 2018 NFL Draft

By Michael Pallas

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks to throw against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half of the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between USC and Ohio State at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks to throw against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half of the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between USC and Ohio State at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes the football against the Washington Huskies during the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes the football against the Washington Huskies during the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

This would be the ultimate swerve move for the Jets. Trade up to make everyone think they’re taking a quarterback, and then take the best running back in the draft. However, this move isn’t only a swerve — it would make sense if they believe Teddy Bridgewater is their future at quarterback.

When the Vikings drafted Bridgewater, they thought he’d take them to the Super Bowl. He went 17-11 as a starter. He completed, 64.9 percent of his passes for 3,950 yards and 28 touchdowns. He was on his way up into the top of the league’s quarterback. Then a devastating knee injury changed all that. He ended up as a free agent, and the Jets signed him.

It makes sense to consider Barkley if they believe in Bridgewater, because in his first two seasons in the NFL, Bridgewater had Adrian Peterson in the backfield, and Peterson was still in his prime. So, adding a guy like Barkley to team up with Bridgewater would be good for the still-young quarterback.

Barkley would be an instant upgrade to their backfield. He would give them a three-down weapon they currently don’t have. He’s an unlikely pick at No. 3, but if he falls and they truly believe in Bridgewater, it’ll be hard to pass on Barkley.

Home/New York Jets