The Jets ’23-20 win over the Rams made CEO Joe Douglas’ job a little harder this offseason. Writing Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 pick in the overall standings would have been an easy call. If the Jets end up with No. 2 pick, Douglas faces some options. Here’s a look at some of their options if the Jets choose the latter:
1. Draw the best quarterback available and change Sam Darnold.
BYU’s Justin Fields and BYU’s Zach Wilson are vying to be the top quarterback after Lawrence. Neither is considered the prospect that Lawrence can’t be missed, but both are highly regarded in NFL circles and could really emerge in the pre-draft process. If the Jets deal Darnold, they could probably get a second-round pick plus a final pick.
2. Change the peak and hold Darnold.
If Douglas isn’t sold into any of the possible quarterbacks in this draft, he could stay with Darnold, who has a one-year contract, and try to get a huge selection pack. In 2016, the Eagles changed two first-round picks, a second-round pick, a third-round pick and a fourth-round pick to the Browns to move up to No. 2 and catch Carson Wentz. A package like this would speed up the reconstruction of Douglas ’list.
3. Grab the best non-quarterback available and keep Darnold.
The Jets need help on their entire roster. Getting an elite player here is not the worst option. Oregon forward Penei Sewell is the best quarterback in this draft. Would the Jets take attacks in the first round in consecutive years? It wouldn’t be uncommon to write a correct attack up to this point, but the Jets could have book slats with Sewell and Mekhi Becton. Other options here are Alabama WR DeVonta Smith, LSU WR Ja’Marr Chase and Penn State LB Micah Parsons.
4. Sign a veteran quarterback and change the pick or use it on a quarterback.
Many fantastic veteran options are not expected to hit the market, so it’s unlikely. Would Douglas switch to Wentz, who do you know from his time with the Eagles? You seem unlikely to want to change any draft selection right now and take on this contract. Andy Dalton, Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jameis Winston and Mitch Trubisky could be available.