The quarterback competition is already heating up with the New York Jets. While owner John Idzik has come out in support of current starter Mark Sanchez, he will not say who is going to be starting under center Week 1, instead insisting that it is anyone's spot to win. After drafting quarterback Geno Smith and signing David Garrard in the offseason, things will get pretty interesting quickly. As Smith has come under fire in recent days due to his draft day behavior, Garrard is attempting to help the rookie have a smoother transition to the pros. While the two are each other's competition, Garrard is accepting his role as the veteran mentor.
Garrard is the oldest quarterback of the bunch in New York. He recalls entering the league as a rookie and having veteran Mark Brunell help him out. This is something that he hopes to pass on to his current teammates.
"I'm a guy that does not mind helping guys out. That's what being a teammate is all about. I remember when I came in as a rookie, and there was a lot of things swirling around me, and Mark helped me out, so I just like to be able to pass that on," Garrard told media.
Garrard was not surprised that the Jets grabbed Smith in the second round, despite already having Sanchez. He assumed the Jets wanted to add at least one more quarterback to the roster. With that, Garrard is looking forward to helping Smith build his path to a successful NFL career.
He could certainly use the help as most of the talk surrounding Smith has not been positive. His character has come under question after he originally refused to show up to Radio City on the second day of the NFL Draft after he fell out of the first round. He then fired his agents after being drafted, unhappy his draft stock fell. Coming into the media circus that is New York will not be kind to the quarterback.
The Jets could certainly use some leadership at the quarterback position. If Garrard is able to become what Brunell was when he was with the Jets, the signing could be fruitful for New York in more ways than just on the football field. If Garrard can prove to be equal parts leader as player, Sanchez could see his fall from the top come sooner rather than later.