Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
There was a promise from New York Jets general manager John Idzik to bring in competition for his new team, and it appears that Idzik is ready deliver on this declaration. If recent speculation is true, quarterback Mark Sanchez should be looking over his shoulder.
Multiple reports state that the Jets and their division rival Buffalo Bills share interest in Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib. Buffalo has the inside track as they currently hold the eight overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, one higher than New York’s first pick. The Bills also have a unique reason to be intrigued by Nassib.
Buffalo’s new head coach Doug Marrone had Nassib as his starter quarterback the past three years. Conflicting reports say that the Bills could be interested in USC quarterback Matt Barkley. If this is true, then the door could be wide open for the Jets to take Nassib. It would make more sense to pick him with either the 13th pick or in the second round rather than ninth overall, but there is a lot to like about this prospect.
Despite playing with an average surrounding cast, Nassib produced impressive numbers. During his three years atop the depth chart, Nassib threw for 67 touchdowns and only 27 interceptions. He is also accurate, which is important for operating the West Coast offense.
The Jets have also been linked to other notable quarterbacks like Barkley, Florida State’s EJ Manuel, and West Virginia’s Geno Smith. If Idzik truly hopes to change the culture in New York, a bold decision may follow.
Fans have shown a constant disapproval of Sanchez’s poor play over the past two seasons that includes just 13 touchdowns and 18 interceptions last year. This intensive search proves that Sanchez’s time as starter for the Jets could soon be coming to an end.
