The New York Jets love to keep it interesting, especially when it comes to the quarterback position. In the 2012 preseason there was the Tim Tebow drama. In 2013 there was the battle between rookie Geno Smith and Mark Sanchez. Now, in 2014 when it appears the team could be stable with Smith, general manager John Idzik says the Jets are keeping their options open and will look at quarterbacks in this year's draft.
Just one year after drafting Smith in the second round, the Jets are thinking of picking up another rookie in the quarterback-heavy 2014 draft.
"We'll look at quarterbacks, yes, we will look at quarterbacks," Idzik said, via the New York Post. "We're all excited about having Geno as part of the New York Jets, but we will always look to improve any position."
Both Idzik and head coach Rex Ryan stopped short of saying the team would enter training camp with a starting quarterback already in place. Currently on the active roster is Smith, Matt Simms and David Garrard. Sanchez will be returning (or maybe returning) in 2014 after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in the preseason.
It appears the Jets are not totally set on any option. Smith played the year as the starter and finished with a league-low passer rating of 66.5. He is confident in his ability to have a "bright future", but are the Jets? Do not worry Jets fans, Texas A&M mega star Johnny Manziel would love to come play in New York.
"For any team to draft me this year if I were to come out, the Jets would definitely be a neat team to go to. Especially being in New York, I love it here. I love New York City," Manziel said (via Bleacher Report) to reporters during the Heisman Trophy ceremony media session.
Could Johnny Football be headed to the Big Apple? The Jets have earned the No. 18 pick after an 8-8 season. Projected to be taken first is quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. UCF's Blake Bortles has a shot to be the second quarterback drafted after a strong performance in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. However, the likelihood that Manziel is available that late in the first round is slim to none.
If the Jets are looking for a rookie, they will not draft one in the first round with how deep the talent is this season. Sorry Manziel, New York is not happening. However, Aaron Murray, Zach Mettenberger or AJ McCarron could also be options around the third round and could be future stars in the league.
Idzik loves to stir the pot a bit. With Ryan now a lock to be back for another year, the quarterback drama will continue to be the headline in New York.
