2 weeks Ago
The moment the New York Jets traded for future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, uncertainty loomed on the horizon. For now, the Jets have their quarterback. But when in the not-so-distant future will they replace him, and who will be the heir to the throne? On Thursday, Rodgers pushed those questions further down the road.
He delivered the best quarterbacking performance New York has seen in years in a clinical dismantling of a strong New England Patriots defense. More so, he was forced to move around more than any 40-year-old passer would prefer, and there were no signs of discomfort . Rodgers certainly didn’t look like a passer in need of urgent replacing.
© Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images But that didn’t stop the Green Bay Packers, who are now better for drafting a quarterback late in Round 1, from picking a quarterback before Rodgers was done. It may not stop the Jets, either. In Fox Sports’ recent mock draft , New York is picking 24th, emblematic of a strong season, even if the mountain hadn’t been completely scaled.
To some extent, that requires Rodgers to look the part of a star quarterback. There, the Jets decide to ask Rodgers to once again mentor the next face of the franchise, picking Texas passer Quinn Ewers. “Aaron Rodgers will turn 41 in December and with Tyrod Taylor (35) the only other quarterback on the roster, it seems obvious New York will be drafting a quarterback next spring,” Rob Rang wrote.
“While ideally that might come later in the draft, I don't think GM Joe Douglas will wait if an ideal fit falls into their lap here. To play quarterback for the Jets, one must have as much grit as he does arm talent. Few have shown as much resiliency and tenacity as Ewers during his time in Austin.
” It’s been a long road to the NFL Draft for Ewers, who began his college career at Ohio State. Even now, it might be too early to consider him a Round 1 prospect. However, he’s shown growth in his final collegiate season, whether it be in the form of natural development or the pressure of Arch Manning behind him on the depth chart.
The arm talent was never in question, but he’s operating within the structure of the offense more than ever before. If he keeps his pace and leads Texas deep into the College Football Playoff, teams may be convinced that his intangibles are worthy of handing the keys to. Related: Rodgers Reveals 'Next Step' for Jets For Ewers, landing on a Jets team with receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall in place, along with long-term building blocks up front, makes for an environment conducive to NFL success.
Learning from Rodgers, of course, only adds optimism to his development. If New York is willing to sacrifice an immediate contributor for a chance at long-term prosperity, there’s every reason to think Douglas will pull the trigger on a passer – especially if the Jets play well enough to keep his job secure..
