Passing Preferences

The New York Jets will look inward for their next starting quarterback, but drafting a top signal caller is not out of the question for Rex Ryan. The team will attempt to fill their most pressing needs with six draft picks this Saturday. Quarterback is one area New York would like to see improvement. The Jets do not have a proven commodity behind center, leading to speculation that Ryan could use the 17th overall pick on a quarterback. Stability and certainty are two qualities the next quarterback must bring to the Jets. The team does not have the luxury of a veteran quarterback since Brett Favre retired. Ryan decided not to go outside the organization to acquire someone through a trade of free agency. The Jets could have easily acquired a competent journeyman on the market. He opted instead to go to the kids. The Jets are putting themselves in position to rely on inexperience.
The three probable prospects for Gang Green are Mark Sanchez, Josh Freeman and Matthew Stafford. Unless a major shake-up occurs or the Jets trade up for a pick, they will not have Stafford at their disposal. The Georgia quarterback is projected to go number one to the Detroit Lions. Sanchez is also considered a top five draft choice and most likely will be gone by the time the Jets make their selection. Freeman is a real possibility and New York and the Jets are interested in the Kansas State product. The 6’6” Freeman draws comparisons to Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Flacco. He has a strong arm and great size, starting 32 games for Kansas State last year. Freeman’s ability to read defenses is not great and he has struggled against competitive teams. The standout Wildcat is the most athletically gifted of the three prospects but will need time to work on his mechanics. He is agile and his size allows him to avoid rushes. Freeman had 14 rushing touchdowns for 404 yards in 2008. He has over 8,000 career yards in three college years.
Stafford and Sanchez are the class of the draft as far as quarterbacks go. Sanchez has all the intangibles to make it in the NFL after winnings the Rose Bowl MVP for USC. The efficient passer does not have the best arm but was only picked off ten times last year. Sanchez is your prototypical, standard stud signal caller, much like Matt Leinert. Mark’s decision to leave the Trojans early and enter the NFL was not embraced by Pete Carroll. The USC head coach feels Sanchez could use more experienced and more starts as a college back. He only started 16 games last year but still managed 34 touchdowns in that time. Sanchez has that likeability factor going for him and all the Hollywood appeal for big star potential. He would probably be able to handle New York if the Jets were willing to take a risk on drafting him. Sanchez threw for the college equivalent of an NFL team in the nation’s most touted program, USC. He definitely knows what pressure means but does he have what it takes to handle the long haul.
Stafford has all the attributes of a well balanced signal caller. The junior is a very smart player who is a take-charge leader. Stafford showed toughness throughout his college career, and has been a top performer in close games. Stafford is close to mistake-proof, which makes him an ideal franchise quarterback option. Many scouts compare this Matt to another impressive Matt--Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons. Both are intelligent, competitive and have a good grasp for the game. The Jets couldn’t go wrong with Stafford on their staff, but again, it’s a long shot.
Assuming the Jets begin the 2009 season with a quarterback already on their roster, they will try out three options. Kellen Clemens, Brett Ratliff and Erik Ainge are all in the hunt to win the starter’s job. Combined, the three players have three victories between them. They all belong to Clemens, who has been the most impressive in minicamp. The organization remains high on Ratliff because of his zippy short passes and gusto for throwing. He demonstrates strong field presence, but inexperience is obvious at times. Ratliff has been outplayed by Clemens, especially on turnovers. On last check, Kellen has yet to throw an interception, while Brett has been credited with three picks.
Ratliff was a stud in the pre-season last year, coming out of nowhere to take snaps for Gang Green. Brett doesn’t have a single regular season snap under his belt but I am sure that will change in 2009. Ratliff’s mechanics give him a shot to win over Ryan and he possesses the athleticism of a leading quarterback. Ratliff’s feistiness and motivation are positive factors. He may have the added advantage in the race against Clemens because the organization is simply seeking change.
Clemens brings eight official NFL starts to the table heading into this year. All eight took place while filling in for Chad Pennington in 2007. Jet fans bitterly remember him tossing twice as many interceptions as touchdowns (10 INT to 5 TD) in that time. Clemens’ completion percentage was just above 50%. His 2007 saw pass rushers attacking Clemens like free bait. His inconsistency and inaccuracy did not raise many eyebrows but Clemens wasn’t given a very strong offensive line to work with. He did have some nice deep throws when given the chance and can be a solid down-field passer. Jets fans were not enamored with his happy feet in the pocket but should be willing to give him another chance with an improved offensive line. Clemens openly stated he is ready to lead this team so he is not shying away from responsibility.
Ainge is still in the mix as a Jet quarterback option but his playing time should be very limited. The former Tennessee Volunteer has been a disappointment since being selected in the fifth round in 2008. Barring injury to one of the other two potential starters, the up-and-down passer will be relegated to backup duties, traded or released. His struggles in camp last year only added to the fact he was nailed for using performance enhancing drugs. Ainge also suffered a season-ending foot injury his rookie year. It’s hard to believe the Jets will entrust their club and put the team in Ainge’s hands this year. It is more likely they draft a quarterback to start ahead of the beleaguered Ainge.
Drafting a rookie with the slightest notion of playing professional football is a huge gamble for any team. Finding the next Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco is not a common occurrence. The Jets should use a draft pick on a quarterback, but not one of their top ones. I think Gang Green should start the season with Clemens because at least Kellen has thrown passes in the league with success. Once Clemens settles in and becomes comfortable with his receivers, I believe he will turn out to be the best choice. I wouldn’t mind seeing Josh Freeman in the Meadowlands. Everyone seems to think he will go the Tampa Bay Bucs with the 19th pick. Do the Jets burn a first round pick on him two slots ahead? Or, do they settle for a late rounder, hoping to catch lightening in a bottle? Whoever the drafted quarterback should be, he must be groomed first and carry the clipboard on the sidelines. Any first year Jet should learn the ropes before calling Giants stadium his home.

Parting points: A few Jets I really like- The band, Jet and their hit song, “Look What You’ve Done” and the cartoon classic, The Jetsons.