While Geno Smith is getting all of the attention in the 2013 quarterback class, there is another player that many believe to be the real star, Ryan Nassib. The Syracuse quarterback has been flying under the radar leading into the draft later this month. Attention around him has been gaining speed as many experts believe he is likely to be better that Smith. One team is beginning to show a large amount of interest in Nassib, the New York Jets.
The Jets do not lack for quarterbacks. Currently on the roster is starter Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow, Grey McElroy, Matt Simms and newly signed David Garrard. Why would they be interested in drafting a quarterback with their first pick? Head coach Rex Ryan is determined to build competition around Sanchez and at this moment, none of the team's backups are a real threat to his starting position. Could a rookie like Nassib really push Sanchez to be better?
While not necessarily a marquee name throughout his college career, Nassib posted impressive stats. In 2012, he threw for 3,749 yards with a competition percentage of 62.4 percent. He recorded 26 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. He was praised for his performance at the NFL combine, showing great arm strength and accuracy when throwing down field. He moved his draft stock up to easily being taken in the first round, possibly being the second quarterback off the board.
The Jets have reportedly been scouting Nassib heavily throughout the combine and his Pro Day. The team spent extra time with him following his Pro Day performance, even taking him out to dinner with team officials.
The Jets draft ninth overall. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills are two teams that draft ahead of the Jets also showing interest in a quarterback. The Jaguars are likely to take Smith No. 2 overall and the Bills are a threat to grab Nassib at No. 8 overall. The Jets may never get a shot at him. The team could attempt to trade up and grab Nassib, but they did that to grab Sanchez, would they give up something just to get someone purposed to be a backup?
The Jets are unhappy with the overall performance of Sanchez. With this team, anything is possible. If their goal is to bring multiple quarterbacks into training camp, they might just do anything to grab Nassib.