The New York Jets are aiming to add a quarterback to their current rotation, but if they are unwilling to trade up that pursuit might go nowhere. The Jets have been linked to both Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston in pre-draft workouts, but trades are likely the only way to acquire either player. With the No. 6 pick in the NFL Draft, what steps could the team potentially take in the first round?
Geno Smith is entering the 2015 season as the starter for the Jets barring any other additions to the quarterback rotation. Head coach Todd Bowles is committed to adding playmakers to the offense, as shown by the addition of Brandon Marshall. However, a duo of Marshall and Eric Decker is not enough while Stevan Ridley is not going to get it done on the ground. With their first round pick, the Jets could favor a skill position player over a quarterback.
According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, the Jets have taken a look at several of the top wide receivers in the draft including Amari Cooper, DeVante Parker and Kevin White while also bringing in young running backs like Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon for visits. Any of those options could end up being the route the Jets take if both Winston and Mariota are off the board.
The Jets have expressed confidence in Marshall and Decker along with Jeremy Kerley, but getting a receiver like Cooper or White into the mix would immediately give the Jets a very versatile offense for any quarterback to work with. The same can be said with Gurley or Gordon. The Jets have lacked a run game in recent years which has hurt the balance of the team. Adding Ridley to a rotation of Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell is not enough of an improvement. Both Gurley and Gordon are considered ready to start and would be the balance needed for the Jets.
New York can still add another quarterback to the mix. The team could easily wait until the second or third round and draft players like Bryce Petty or Garrett Grayson. Both players have visited the team heading into the draft and could be strong options to develop for the future while not costing much.