With the Jets seemingly headed for a sub-.500 season, not only do they need to evaluate the organization as a whole from general manager-on-down, but the quarterback situation will also need to be addressed, which has become the status quo of the New York Jets. Geno Smith has proved he isn't worth the third round draft pick the Jets used on him in the 2013 NFL Draft. While Michael Vick has provided a spark for the Jets, he still isn't a playoff caliber quarterback, and is riding out a one-year, $5 million contract. While Vick could be an option for the Jets, he doesn't seem ideal for the longevity aspect.
Which brings up the NFL Draft, and it's two high-profile quarterbacks. At this point, only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to have a quarterback-need as large as the New York Jets. Which means the two teams will probably vie for first pick of either Oregon's Marcus Mariota or Florida State's Jameis Winston.
Look at it anyway you want, Mariota has been the most consistent college football quarterback since his induction to college football in 2012. With 9,122 career passing yards, 92 touchdowns, only 12 interceptions, and over 1,900 career rushing yards, Mariota could be the next run-and-gun style NFL quarterback. The only blemish on Mariota is the fact that he hasn't won a national championship with a highly-touted Oregon program.
Seminoles' sensation Jameis Winston has turned heads in only two seasons at Florida State. As a freshman in 2013, Winston led the Seminoles to a national title in a win over SEC powerhouse Auburn, 34-31. Winston posted 4,057 yards passing, 40 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions last year. However, in the middle of the season, Winston was accused in a sexual assault case, but he was never formally charged. In the offseason, Winston made headlines for stealing crab legs from a Tallahassee restaurant, and it seems like Winston's baggage has been growing ever since. From an on-campus BB gun incident to being investigated for receiving money in exchange for autographs, Winston's name has consistently gotten negative publicity. However, the sophomore has the Seminoles at 9-0, ranked second in the nation, and has 2,540 passing yards with 17 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Come April 30th, Winston and Mariota will both be first round selections. While the Raiders and Jaguars are struggling win, they've invested in Derek Carr and Blake Bortles, respectively, to lead the revitalization efforts of their franchises. The Texans are committed to Ryan Mallett after studying under Tom Brady for years, Cleveland has Brian Hoyer with Johnny Manziel in the waiting, and the St. Louis Rams have enough wins that they'd most likely have to settle until the later rounds to select a quarterback after the Jets and Buccaneers get first and second choice.
For the Jets, this selection can be the difference between a franchise that continues to be the laughing stock of the NFL, or a team that annually competes as a playoff contender. Fans, as well as general manager John Idzik, drove Mark Sanchez out of town and instilled their trust in Geno Smith to lead the organization back to the playoffs. In return, Smith proved to be more inconsistent, unreliable, and worse than Sanchez ever was in his four years in the Big Apple. The Jets obviously need to be careful with this pick.
While Mariota might be playing in an Oregon system that hasn't produced solid NFL quarterbacks, the consistency and awareness seems to all be there. He has a strong arm, and knows when to tuck the ball and run. He might just be the playmaker the Jets have been looking for.
On the other hand, Winston's baggage and hype could lead him to be the next circus act in the Jets organization. Even his numbers this year are down compared to last year. That has to stick out to the scouts.
Gang Green needs Marcus Mariota. Bring in a quarterback with everything to prove, that is a constant competitor, and is a proven commodity. Do not bring in a quarterback that is bringing as much negative attention to an organtization, as he is positive. If Mariota isn't on the board, maybe the Jets should consider sticking through another year with Vick. Whichever way you look at it, Mariota makes more sense for the Jets than Winston.
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