Going into the season, the New York Jets found themselves in an all too familiar situation. Looking for a franchise QB. After failing to land their top choice in Kirk Cousins, GM Mike Maccagnan made the move that will ultimately define his tenure as the Jets head honcho. He traded 4 draft picks, including the #6 pick overall in this years’ draft to the Colts for their #3 pick. With a plethora of QB’s to choose from and the New York Giants taking Saquon Barkley with the second pick, it set up a dream scenario for Gang Green. The Jets had their choice of young quarterbacks to choose from to mold into the centerpiece of their franchise for years to come. They would eventually take Sam Darnold out of USC and the celebration was on.
Is Darnold finally the savior Jets fans young and old have been waiting for? Before we start building his statue, lets take a trip in time and take a look at the last 5 qb’s the Jets have drafted:
2016 Christian Hackenberg- 2nd Round
2015: Bryce Petty- 4th round
2014: Tajh Boyd-6th round
2013: Geno Smith-3rd round
2012: Greg McElory- 3rd round
Hackenberg is currently on the practice squad of the Bengals. Petty is currently on injured reserve with the Dolphins. Boyd is out of the league. Geno Smith is on his 3rd team in 3 years in the LA Chargers. Greg McElroy is currently an analyst on the SEC Network. The last playoff appearance for the Jets was back in 2010 when they lost in the AFC Championship game to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The QB then was another USC product, Mark Sanchez, whom they also traded up to draft in 2009.
With the trade of backup QB Teddy Bridgewater, and a 39 year old Josh McCown now in a mentoring role, the Jets confirmed was the rest of the world already knew. Sam Darnold would be starting week 1 of their season. Did the green team finally find their “Top Gun”? Fasten you seat belts folks. It’s going to be a bumpy ride!