With The First Pick
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Jets must make 2020 prove it year for Darnold as 2021 QB class looms

By Timothy Rodriguez

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets pauses on the field during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New York defeats Buffalo 13-6. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets pauses on the field during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New York defeats Buffalo 13-6. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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Jets QB Sam Darnold. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
Jets QB Sam Darnold. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

The Jets must consider their options in the 2021 NFL Draft.

In 2018, the New York Jets grossly overpaid and moved three second round picks to go up three spots and select USC quarterback Sam Darnold. At the time of the trade, it appeared as if the Jets were fine with getting either Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, or Darnold. It was all a matter of whichever one was available. Cleveland ended up taking Mayfield, leaving New York with a choice between Allen and Darnold.

That feels like forever ago for Gang Green. Todd Bowles was the head coach back then. Now the Jets are manned by former Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase. Mike Maccagnan was the general manager in 2018. In 2020, Joe Douglas is running the Jets. New York has added tons of talent with players like C.J. Mosley and Le’Veon Bell.

Coming out of USC, Sam Darnold was a really talented but turnover prone young player. After two seasons, what is he? The same thing. Darnold was better in 2019 than his rookie year, but not by much. Another mediocre at best season should result in Darnold being on the hot seat. It is difficult to gage how teams view their young quarterbacks. The most important thing to remember however, is that current general manager Joe Douglas was not the one who drafted him.

The 2021 NFL draft has the potential to be another great class for quarterback needy teams. The headliners are obviously Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields and Trey Lance. There are other names such as Brock Purdy who are promising, but have clear and obvious limitations. Should the Jets already be looking for Darnold’s replacement?

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