I think it will be similar to Miami taking Tannehill, they had no choice really and got tired of the stop gaps and failed projects. Geno is still the best QB in the class and has top 10-15 potential, the front office just needs to do the opposite of what they did with Nacho
I am not completely against drafting Austin. I realize what he brings to the table and trust me when I tell you, I am desperate to finally have a dynamic player on offense. With that said, I don't feel too comfortable drafting him that high as well as passing up the chance to get a player who maybe able to bring more impact to the table. Someone who can solidify the line or someone who can finally bring that dimension of pass rush ability to our defense can literally change that side of the ball entirely. We do not have a capable QB nor offense, getting Austin to me is like having a flashy car with a shitty home. Yes, I do view most of them as better prospects but for the future, not so much this season. I think McCarron could come out and be a very efficient day 1 starter. Maybe not a world beater, but certainly someone you can have confidence in. Boyd and Murray are about on the same level for me, almost there, just need to polish things up in their senior year. They can make the throws, they show that NFL accuracy, and they don't need to hide behind their offensive system. Geno needs pieces around him to be successful as well as a solid enough system in place to hide his flaws. I just don't like that aspect when looking to acquire a "franchise" QB. Now maybe you can say, "well lets just groom him to become a better QB overall for a few years", therein lies the problem. We need some young players with the word "definite" written all over them, not someone to hope as pray works out, especially in the first. Look how that is working out for teams like Jacksonville, the Vikings, the Titans, etc. If we're going to get a QB this year, it makes the most sense to look for one in rounds 3-4. I think the need is still the same. We havent addressed OLB in multiple years, and with our line getting thin, we should be jumping at the bit to get a guy like Warmack, Cooper, or Fisher.
I see no reason is drafting a quarterback in the middle of the draft when you have a potential stud likely falling into your lap
There are a bunch of people in this draft who would be value at different spots in the draft. Geno Smith is the only one that you can make the argument for at 9 but there are other options out there. E.J. Manuel or Ryan Nassib in the 3rd. Both are probably change-of-pace (Manuel) or pure backups (Nassib) but they also have the upside that they could be a good starter. Landry Jones or Tyler Bray in the 4th. Both have personality issues but good physical talent. Both are capable of becoming a starting QB even if the odds seem stacked against them a bit at the moment. Matt Scott, Sean Renfree, Zac Dysert in the 6th. All good prospects that might pan out but would certainly give the Jets a good clipboard holder for a few seasons at the worst. The 5th round is for finding a guy who will hit the field for you. A G, RB, TE, WR, LB, etc. Somebody who will play for you. That's why taking a QB on that pick is so unproductive for NFL teams. Once you get down to that point in the draft you are picking through the likely backups and spending 5th round value on a projected backup anywhere on the field is a waste of resources.
