NFL Draft 2021: Making the case for Jets passing on Ohio State’s Justin Fields, sticking with Sam Darnold

Regardless of what happens during the final two weeks of the 2020 regular season, the New York Jets are guaranteed no worse than the No. 2 pick overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Yes, they still have a shot at the No. 1 pick. But right now, that’s the Jacksonville Jaguars’ pick to lose.

Assuming the Jaguars stay at No. 1 and select Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, what does Jets general manager Joe Douglas do with the No. 2 pick? Many assume he will select Ohio State QB Justin Fields, essentially ending the Sam Darnold era.

But ESPN’s Dan Graziano said that’s not necessarily the case during an appearance Tuesday on “Get Up.”

“Darnold is six months younger than Joe Burrow! Like, it’s not crazy to think that there’s growth potential there, and that having two first-round picks and five picks in the first 99, could help them build something around him. So we have to see who the coach is and what decisions they make about how to proceed at that position, starting with their evaluation of Sam Darnold.”

Here are the remaining schedules for the Jaguars and Jets:

Week 16

Chicago Bears (7-7) at Jaguars

Cleveland Browns (10-4) at Jets

Week 17

Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts (10-4)

Jets at New England Patriots (6-8)

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.