New York Jets Draft Notebook: Making The Case For Josh Rosen

In last week’s edition of the Jets Draft Notebook I made the case for selecting Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Baker Mayfield.

This week, I’ll make the case for a player I think is the top signal caller in this draft on film and my number three overall player in Josh Rosen, break down a very important visit to Florham Park and reveal a sleeper at the running back position for day three.

Making the case for: Josh Rosen

Over the Summer after watching at least three games of the projected top quarterback prospects, I came away with the impression that Josh Rosen was the most talented of the bunch. That opinion has not wavered over seven months later, even after playing for a program that did him little favors over the course of the 2017 season.

Mechanically, it’s hard to paint a prettier position at the quarterback position than what Rosen displays. He is the ideal signal caller to thrive from the pocket at the next level. The footwork is smooth and timely, the release is quick and the vision is elite.

Rosen, on film, looks like a player that has zero limitations in terms of what an offense asks of him. His high IQ translates on the field and his arm talent allows him to hit all three levels of the field with touch, carving up secondaries in the intermediate passing attack quite often.

If it sounds like I’ve drawn up the near ‘perfect’ quarterback prospect on film, that’s because he’s close to that. The concerns come down to two things: are his injuries flukes or a consistent long-term issue and will he take well to coaching at the next level?

At 6’4″ and getting his frame up to 226 lbs., Rosen has proven he’s making the effort to bulk up for the NFL. His offensive line often had him battered, leading to two concussions in his final season for the Bruins.

Like any quarterback across the league, the Jets need to make sure they have an offensive line that will not damage him as a rookie if they do select him. From a talent perspective, he could be the home run the franchise has searched for at the position for well over a decade.

Mayfield visits Jets this week

According to Newsday, Baker Mayfield will spend Monday and Tuesday of this week at Florham Park visiting the Jets. The team has already had a private workout with him and Josh Rosen, doing their full due diligence on the quarterbacks that could potentially be available with the third overall pick.

No one has the Jets quarterback board, but it’s logical to believe Mayfield is very much in play. Sam Darnold is still the favorite to go number one overall and whether it’s the Giants or a team like the Bills picking number two, quarterback is still on the table.

One more note: stop labeling Mayfield as a ‘consolation’ in this class. He has a very good chance of being the top signal caller of this group when all is said and done, making him a fascinating fit in New York if things fall that way.

Sleeper of the week: Martez Carter, RB, Grambling

Carter is a player I’ve discussed plenty this year and now with the Jets losing both their second rounders, they may look to day three of the draft to land another running back.

While they’ve added a few in free agency, Carter brings a different style to this group with good elusiveness in the open field and pass catching ability. He also brought back four kicks for touchdowns during his college career, a spot on the team that isn’t locked in even with the signing of veteran Andre Roberts.

While more premium positions such as pass rusher or offensive line are more likely to be taken with the Jets 3rd round selection, Carter is a 5th-6th round projected player that fits as a bargain option.

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