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5 players Jets should draft in the first round

By William Schneiderhan

Zach Wilson, BYU Cougars. (Mandatory Credit: Rick Bowmer/Pool Photo-USA TODAY NETWORK)
Zach Wilson, BYU Cougars. (Mandatory Credit: Rick Bowmer/Pool Photo-USA TODAY NETWORK) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes stands in the pocket during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes stands in the pocket during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

4. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Who will be the quarterback for the Jets heading into 2021 is one of the most discussed talking points around the league.

Will Douglas and new head coach Robert Saleh determine Sam Darnold deserves another shot and risk some of the financial downsides that come with keeping him? Is Watson worth the price he will potentially cost? Who will Douglas possibly pick at number-two between BYU’s Zach Wilson or Ohio State’s Justin Fields?

The latter name probably falls behind Wilson on most lists. However, Fields is still someone to heavily evaluate for that second-overall pick. He is a physically imposing quarterback who can extend plays with his legs and make most of the required throws.

The only question is can he do it at the next level without top-tier talent around him? Of course, that is an evergreen question for nearly every quarterback coming out of college. Although, with Fields, he did look overwhelmed at times at Ohio State and did not present the best decision making in some instances.

Since the season was cut short, it is hard to look at numbers and justify how well Fields played. He still put together a great season, but his 2019 season is probably a better statistical example of the potential player he can become. That year, he threw for 3,273 yards with 41 passing touchdowns and three picks while completing over 67 percent of his passes.

Fields has the physical attributes, he appears to be a leader, and he sometimes flashes the arm talent. But, will he be able to make reads and the correct decisions at the next level? That seems to be the question.

Of course, if Douglas determines he can answer the questions surrounding him, then the franchise may have its quarterback for the next decade-plus.

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