Jets Urged to Avoid Risky QB Pick, Focus on WR in Draft

Insider warns against investing premium capital in quarterback with limited experience, suggests building around current starter Geno Smith.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:41pm

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The New York Jets face a crucial decision in the 2026 NFL Draft, with the No. 2 overall pick and questions surrounding their long-term quarterback situation. While Alabama's Ty Simpson has been floated as a potential target, ESPN's Rich Cimini and others have cautioned against taking a quarterback with limited college experience, citing historical trends of such picks failing to pan out. The argument is for the Jets to focus on strengthening other areas of the roster, maximize current starter Geno Smith's window, and preserve draft capital for a potentially stronger quarterback class in 2027.

Why it matters

The Jets' quarterback situation is a defining issue for the franchise, with the decision on how to approach the position in the draft having major implications for the team's long-term outlook. Avoiding a risky quarterback pick could allow the team to build a more well-rounded roster, while waiting for a potentially stronger QB class in 2027 provides more flexibility.

The details

The Jets have Geno Smith under contract for 2026, providing a dependable short-term option at the position. However, with Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe not viewed as long-term starters, the team faces uncertainty beyond next season. While Alabama's Ty Simpson has been floated as a potential target, ESPN's Rich Cimini has strongly cautioned against investing premium draft capital in a quarterback with limited college experience, citing historical trends of such picks failing to succeed in the NFL.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.
  • The Jets have the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 draft.

The players

Geno Smith

The Jets' current starting quarterback, providing a dependable short-term option.

Brady Cook

A Jets quarterback who has not shown enough to be viewed as a future starter.

Bailey Zappe

A Jets quarterback who has not shown enough to be viewed as a future starter.

Ty Simpson

An Alabama quarterback prospect who has been floated as a potential target for the Jets in the 2026 draft.

Rich Cimini

An ESPN reporter who has strongly cautioned the Jets against investing in a quarterback with limited college experience.

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What they’re saying

“Since 2011, six of the seven first-round quarterbacks with fewer than 17 college starts didn't pan out in the NFL: Jake Locker (12), Christian Ponder (12), Anthony Richardson Sr. (13), Mitchell Trubisky (13), Blaine Gabbert (13) and Dwayne Haskins (14). The lone exception was Cam Newton (14), the 2015 NFL MVP.”

— Rich Cimini, ESPN reporter

“Ty Simpson could be drafted and allowed to develop behind Geno Smith. There's no guarantee the Jets will land a top quarterback in 2027 even with multiple picks.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN draft analyst

What’s next

The Jets will have to weigh the risks and benefits of selecting a quarterback with limited experience versus building around their current starter Geno Smith and preserving draft capital for a potentially stronger QB class in 2027.

The takeaway

The Jets' quarterback decision in the 2026 draft will be a defining moment for the franchise, with the choice to either invest in a risky prospect or take a more patient approach that maximizes their current starter and future flexibility. Historical trends suggest caution is warranted when it comes to drafting quarterbacks with limited college experience.