Jets hold keys to 2021 NFL Draft in QB Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold stays a New York Jet and the Jets make a pick.

If they decide to stick with Sam and not take a quarterback in the first round this will drastically alter the following picks. The Jets would be looking at one of two people here: Ja’Marr Chase (wide receiver from LSU) and Penei Sewell (offensive tackle from Oregon).

Both of these not only make sense but would solidify the fact they are trying to help Sam succeed. The Jets need help across the board, but getting Sam some talent to throw to has to be just as high as keeping him upright. As you look at the Jets wide receivers its one of the worst corps in the league not only in-depth but also in terms of top-level talent.  Chase would instantly fix that and give him a red zone threat.

Sewell, will help fix an offensive line which has not been good at much run blocking or pass protection. Him and last year’s pick Mekhi Becton would give them two elite offensive linemen to build with moving forward. Which should help give Sam more time, and possibly help whichever running back starts week one.

This could adjust the draft in the following ways if they take Chase. Miami would then go after Sewell at the third pick, at the fourth pick Atlanta could take a quarterback to eventually replace Matt Ryan or trade out of it. Cincinnati would take the best offensive linemen on their board, or trade down with Denver so they could jump in front of everyone else to take Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, or Trey Lance. Philly at six would now have a decision to make as two of the top-five quarterbacks will be there, the best wide receiver will be gone as well as the best offensive linemen. Forcing Philly to make a choice, that will continue the domino effect down.

The Jets not taking a quarterback at the second pick could push what we thought would be four quarterbacks in the top-10, to possibly just two or three.