The flurry of free agency moves has set the stage for the New York Jets as they approach the 2024 NFL draft. Despite this, Joe Tansey from Bleacher Report advises against a crucial decision: selecting a quarterback with the No. 10 overall pick.
Tansey points out that while it’s evident the Jets don’t urgently require a quarterback in the first round, there might be a temptation to plan for the post-Aaron Rodgers era. He mentions the potential availability of Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix as first-round picks for the Jets. Tansey emphasizes that the Jets are not primarily concerned about the future, despite lingering concerns from their struggles with backup quarterbacks in 2023.
The projected rookie contract value for the No. 10 overall pick is $21.3 million, according to Spotrac.
One compelling reason against drafting Nix or Penix, as outlined by Rich Cimini of ESPN, is the age factor. Both quarterbacks are relatively older, with Penix set to turn 24 before the 2024 season begins, and Nix already having turned 24 in February. Penix has completed six seasons of college football from 2018 to 2023, while Nix has completed five seasons from 2019 to 2023.
Although experience is valuable, NFL teams prioritize potential. Tansey argues that selecting either quarterback and keeping them behind Rodgers for a year would limit their NFL career span, as they are ready to play now. Hence, the Jets should steer clear of such options.
Insider information from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, shared with Jets team reporter Eric Allen, suggests that the Jets have extensively evaluated quarterbacks in this draft class. Rapoport speculates on the possibility of the Jets drafting a quarterback in the first round, especially if they find a top prospect they like, considering the option of having them learn behind Rodgers. He suggests that Rodgers, now mature in his career, might handle such a situation differently than before. If the Jets were to draft a quarterback and develop them akin to Green Bay’s approach with Jordan Love, it could be a significant organizational success without repeating the process of acquiring Rodgers.
OLLY OLLY OXEN FREE!@RapSheet told @eallenjets that the #Jets ‘have done quarterback work’ ahead of the 2024 #NFLDraft. 👀
‘To me, if the right guy is there [in the first round] that could be an option.’
Ian Rapoport admitted he’s not sure what QB will be available at pick… pic.twitter.com/IKf6J0dbed
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) April 4, 2024
Currently, the Jets roster includes Rodgers as QB1 and Tyrod Taylor as his backup. However, head coach Robert Saleh has confirmed that the team is still exploring options at the quarterback position, indicating that they may not be finished addressing this area.
