With the NFL Draft just weeks away, there is suddenly a lot of questions regarding whether or not the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will draft Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota. Since the NFL scouting combine it has been believed that Winston was the favorite to stay in Florida, but ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that Mariota could end up being favored after his private workout with the team. So where does Winston land.
The New York Jets will be aggressive in the draft and that could mean trading up for Winston if Mariota is taken with the first overall pick. According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, the Jets are seriously considering a trade up for Winston in the draft as new general manager Mike Maccagnan plans on being as aggressive as possible to get a new quarterback in the mix. The Jets are entering with both Geno Smith and Ryan Fitzpatrick, but neither quarterback inspire much confidence into the fanbase. Winston could easily help sell tickets.
The Jets are looking at every options. Head coach Todd Bowles wants another quarterback outside of Geno Smith and Ryan Fitzpatrick who could potentially start. ESPN reports they have worked out Brett Hundley and are scheduled to see Bryce Petty as well. They are the next two quarterbacks in the rankings. Both Winston and Mariota will be gone by the time the Jets move up which means they have to trade if they want a top option. The potential of Petty and Hundley in the NFL is unknown at this point.
Either pick is costly. Right now, the Chicago Bears are offering Jay Cutler in exchange for the No. 2 pick. The Cleveland Browns have two first-round picks they can deal in order to move for Mariota. The Jets could get creative and offer Smith, but that is unlikely. Their best bet might end up being Hundley or Petty in a later round. Meanwhile the Jets have worked out top receivers like Amari Cooper and Kevin White as backup plans.
The chances Winston gets drafted by the Jets is slim to none simply because of the cost of getting him. The Jets will call about a trade and discuss all options, but a rookie in a later round or another free agent could be the better move.
