Forget Mariota and Winston, Jets should draft Brandon Scherff

A quarterback who can change the game is essential on all football levels, from youth to the pros. Without a QB that can improve your team drastically, it is hard to compete with elite teams.

Brandon Scherff 
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The New York Jets are already in the midst of draft season after being one of the first teams eliminated once they turned 2-9. One of the biggest areas of need for the Jets start at a QB position that consists of second round bust Geno Smith, a washed up Michael Vick, and a practice squad mover in Matt Simms. At this point, Rex Ryan should trot himself out on the field as the Jets QB.

Fortunately, this offseason could be the year where the Jets find the signal caller they presume they needed since, well, Geno Smith. Perhaps they look to the 2015 NFL Draft, which boasts Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston, two QBs who figure to be a lock for the top five.

Although the Jets need a man under center desperately, they should call out a name of a player who goes in a three point stance right next to one. The Jets shouldn’t go after hyped up prospects like Mariota or Winston, they should choose Brandon Scherff of Iowa with their eventual top five choice.

Scherff, a 6-5 offensive tackle, would be a solid addition to a porous offensive line. Although Scherff is listed as a tackle, he would be moved back to the original position he had as a sophomore at guard. “I like the nasty.” said NFL Network Draft Analyst, Mike Mayock. “I think he can play inside. He's tough, aggressive, and he finishes”. Scherff would be the next Hawkeye offensive lineman to be drafted in the first round in recent years joining Bryan Bulaga and Riley Reiff.

In addition from hailing from an offensive lineman factory, Scherff’s biggest strength fits the Jets game plan, running the ball. “His upper body strength, along with proper hand placement and good knee bend, make Scherff a force in the running game.” said Scherff’s profile on CBSSports.com.

Not only can Scherff be an impact player in the running game, but he can also be lethal in the passing game, “Quickness is more functional than flashy. Pass drop from the snap is efficient and controlled rather than explosive.” said CBSSports.com continuing Scherff’s scouting report, “Shifts his weight well and can be a wrecking ball at the second level with an eager blocking attitude and the demeanor of a wrestler, taking down rushers.” Scherff is currently ranked as the sixth overall prospect on CBSSports.com, being ranked ahead of any offensive lineman in the draft.

Most Jets fans wouldn’t concur with the decision to not pick Mariota or Winston. Every Jets fans want a franchise QB and are craving the thought of either Mariota or Winston strapping up for the Jets. But both these QBs aren’t seen as “elite” to some, like ESPN Draft Analyst Mel Kiper Jr.. “There is really no franchise quarterback in this draft.” said Kiper via a NJ.com interview, “Even though Mariota could go No. 1 [overall], he's not Andrew Luck. He's not in that elite-of-elite category.”

To go along with Kiper’s comments, both QBs bring about substantial negatives. Mariota isn’t in a pro style offense, which can hurt him transitioning to the NFL. But, Mariota has ran the same exact offense since high school. This brings several questions as to how Mariota will develop as a QB at the next level. How quick will he pick up his next offense? What will he do with not having simpler reads anymore? More questions will be mentioned during the draft process and they’ll only hurt his stock.

As for Winston, he doesn’t have any problems Mariota has going into the NFL Draft. In fact, Winston could be the best QB in this draft. If not for the red flags for off the field issues, Winston would be hands down the first overall pick. But, in a market like New York, what will happen if Jameis continues his string of unintelligent decisions off the field? Consequences would be monumental.

When you look at it this way, who would you rather have? An offensive lineman coming from a prestigious college for his position, a QB who has only picked up one playbook his entire life, or a QB who is a ticking time bomb off the field? The question isn’t very hard for the average fan to figure out, and it shouldn’t be difficult for the Jets brass.