Real fans want their teams to win. At least that is what Rex Ryan is saying after the New York Jets beat the Tennessee Titans which really does not matter other than it ruins the team's chance at getting the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2015. The Jets have been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs which means the focus shifts to improving for the future. That will include adding a new quarterback to the mix, but the winning hurts their chances at one of the top options next season.
Ryan does not want to hear people discuss tanking. In an effort to try and save his job or prove that he is worthy to be hired elsewhere, Ryan is putting the pressure on the Jets to win out the season even if it hurts their draft position.
"Tough you-know-what," Ryan said, via ESPN.com. "A real Jets fan wants to win. It doesn't matter what pick you get or whatever. If it were Peyton Manning out there, I could understand it, but I don't think Peyton Manning is out there. I thought Geno was poised and made some great plays."
The team rallied from being down 5-0 to getting a 16-11 win which officially knocked the Jets down from the fourth draft pick to the sixth pick. That might not be high enough to grab a potential franchise quarterback that the Jets desperately need. It is clear that Smith might not be "the guy" moving forward and at least two of the top options will have been drafted by the time New York gets their pick.
According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, the Jets will draft either Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston in the upcoming draft. The Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars who will likely pick ahead of the Jets are not aiming to take quarterbacks, but everyone else will be. This might alter New York's draft plans to potentially grabbing other needs in the draft while getting a quarterback elsewhere.
Grantland.com lists the Jets as a favorite to attempt a trade for Robert Griffin III. With Michael Vick not coming back and Smith at least being forced to compete for the quarterback spot, the Jets are aiming for someone who can start immediately. Falling in the draft leaves them out of the hunt to get a rookie for the job, but could still get them someone in free agency or a trade.