The New York Jets find themselves in a promising position as they approach the 2024 NFL draft amidst numerous free agency moves.
However, one crucial decision the team should avoid making is selecting a quarterback with the No. 10 overall pick, as cautioned by Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report.
“It’s clear that the Jets don’t require a quarterback in the first round. Yet, there’s a scenario where the allure of planning for the post-Aaron Rodgers era might tempt them. The Jets sit in a position where quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix could be considered first-round selections,” Tansey elaborated in a column published on Monday, April 8. “However, the Jets’ primary concern isn’t the future, even though they still grapple with the struggles of their backup quarterbacks in 2023.”
The projected rookie contract for the No. 10 overall pick is valued at $21.3 million, according to Spotrac.
One of the key reasons why Tansey suggests the Jets should steer clear of Nix and Penix is their age.
“Penix is 23, turning 24 before the 2024 season begins, while Nix already turned 24 in February. Penix has played six seasons of college football from 2018 through 2023, whereas Nix played five seasons from 2019 through 2023,” Tansey explained.
While experience is valuable, NFL teams prioritize upside. Tansey argues that Nix and Penix’s extensive college careers may limit their potential in the NFL.
“Having either player serve as a backup behind Rodgers for at least a year would restrict their NFL window. Both are ready to play now, and even in the most extreme circumstances, the Jets should steer clear of them,” Tansey concluded.
Insider sources reveal that the Jets have thoroughly evaluated this year’s quarterback class.
“Will they select a quarterback in the first round? It depends on who’s available. If a top prospect they highly favor is on the board and they can afford to let him develop behind one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, like we’ve seen succeed before,” NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport stated to Jets team reporter Eric Allen. “If they find a quarterback they like… I believe Rodgers would handle that differently than he did earlier in his career. If the Jets select one and it turns out to be what Jordan Love is now in Green Bay, that would be a major organizational victory. They wouldn’t have to replicate what Green Bay did to acquire Rodgers. So, if the right prospect is available, that could be a viable option.”
