The Jets find themselves in a two-game win streak, and technically their playoff hopes are still alive. They will continue to focus on this season, but it was probably hard not to see what happened this weekend in college football that could alter the NFL Draft next year.
Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa had "No. 1 Draft pick" written all over him heading into Mississippi State. However, he suffered a brutal hip dislocation that not only ended his season, but has now put his career in potential danger.
Many 2020 NFL mock drafts had Tagovailoa slated to go to the Bengals first overall, but with his draft stock now busted, things have definitely shaken up.
The Jets are slated with the fifth overall pick at the moment, and since Sam Darnold is their obvious quarterback of the future, they wouldn't have been in the running for Tagovailoa in the first place. But since he should be considered off the top of the board (if he comes out of Alabama at all after the season), teams could be scrambling to the top to get their new quarterback.
LSU QB Joe Burrow has vaulted himself to the top now after solid performances throughout a tough SEC schedule for the Tigers, who are the top-ranked team in the country. Oregon QB Justin Herbert is also in the top five for some mock drafts.
Let's take a look a few mock drafts that have already taken Tagovailoa out of their top five:
All these picks for the Jets makes sense, given their need for a playmaker on the outside for Darnold, desperate need of an upgrade on the O-line, and lack of cornerback depth. Jeudy is easily the top wide receiver in the class and would help Darnold out immediately. Thomas is everything a coach wants in an offensive tackle, and would upgrade the Jets line upon drafting. And finally, with Trumaine Johnson likely gone after the year, Okudah would come in a CB1.
Obviously it's early and draft positions change, but it's school for thought at the moment. What if teams like the Titans, Broncos and even the Bears want to trade up to get their quarterback? Would the Jets entertain it?
A top quarterback, especially of Tagovailoa's caliber, coming off the board has already shifted the thought process for many teams gearing up for next April's Draft. And if the Jets continue their road to another top five pick, it could affect them big time when the picks are all set after this NFL season.