October 29, 2023; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) wasn't able grab the ball here in the second quarter which resulted in a turnover for the New York Giants.
Death, taxes and the New York Jets drafting but failing to develop a quarterback as this time it’s Zach Wilson sent packing.
Wilson follows Sam Darnold, who followed Mark Sanchez, who followed Geno Smith, who all failed under the same plan. No matter the GM, no matter the head coach it’s always the same. Draft a kid, play him to early, offer little guidance and wonder what went wrong.
“I think going back, it would have been great to have a veteran quarterback like a Joe Flacco that first season. But ultimately, we made the decision to jump in head first with our youth movement.”
– Joe Douglas on Zach Wilson following Jets trade for Aaron Rodgers
Funny isn’t it, that the only QB in the group who appears to have made it is Smith? The guy who ended up spending six years as a backup to Russell Wilson, Philip Rivers and Eli Manning. Who would’ve thought that spending some time on the bench to watch and learn from a capable veteran could benefit a signal caller?
When the NFL draft kicks off later this week, they’ll certainly look to take a quarterback. Whether it’s South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler, Tulane’s Michael Pratt, Florida State’s Jordan Travis or any other mid to late-round option, they’ll have a shot to finally get it right.
They’ll have not only future Hall of Famer Aaron Rogers in their quarterback room, but a seasoned and experienced veteran in Tyrod Taylor who any young quarterback might be able to watch and learn from.
A new approach will guarantee nothing, but giving a young QB a shot to sit and learn would be nice for a change.