New York Jets: 2019 NFL Draft a golden opportunity

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: The New York Jets logo is seen on a video board during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: The New York Jets logo is seen on a video board during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT

With franchise quarterback Sam Darnold going into year two, the 2019 NFL Draft could be the New York Jets’ last golden opportunity for a premium player.

The New York Jets currently stand at a crossroads between misery and success. The Jets have not made the playoffs since 2010, when Mark Sanchez led the team to back-to-back AFC Championship games.

In the 2018 NFL Draft, however, Gang Green selected USC’s Sam Darnold, their quarterback of the future, in the first round. In the 2019 NFL Draft, they have the third overall pick. If all goes well, the Jets will not pick this high again for a very long time.

A 21-year old Darnold is primed to take a leap in year two. Despite throwing 15 interceptions in his rookie year, Darnold showed major promise with 17 touchdowns. Darnold completed 57.7 percent of his passes as a rookie, and threw for over 2,800 yards on the season.

Now, he will have new head coach Adam Gase guiding him, a revamped offensive scheme, and an entire season of professional football under his belt. This presents a golden opportunity for the Jets.

With the third overall pick, the Jets can pick up one more young, blue-chip player before their plan takes off with Darnold at the helm. Darnold’s raw talent made him the second-best quarterback in the 2018 draft class behind Baker Mayfield, and the Jets have a chance to polish both Darnold and the roster this offseason. Picking up a player like Kentucky’s Josh Allen could help the Jets in a huge way next season.

If all goes well, the Jets are trending straight up come 2019 and beyond. If they hit on their 2019 draft class, especially the No. 3 overall pick, it will be a massive boost to the Jets’ roster just before they try to launch themselves into contention in the AFC East. The New York Jets have one last golden opportunity right in front of them, but they have to hit on their picks.