The New York Jets continue to toy with how they will adjust their quarterback rotation moving forward, but while that continues to take shape they are also looking for a few more playmakers to help out whomever is under center Week 1. If the team is unable to land Marcus Mariota in the draft, could the franchise turn their attention to a wide receiver instead?
Drafting at No. 6 might put the Jets out of reach for Mariota unless they trade up, but they could have Cooper land right in their lap. According to CBS Sports' NFL Insider Jason La Canfora, the Jets will make Cooper an option at No. 6 if the wide receiver is available. New York is not interested in dealing up this season, hoping to make use of every draft pick they have, so instead they will bank on star players still being on the boards and Cooper is one of them.
Cooper is the target for a lot of teams. According to ESPN's Todd McShay, the receiver could go as high as No. 3 to the Jacksonville Jaguars or as low as No. 7 to the Chicago Bears. The Jets would like him available at No.6. While the Alabama standout does not solve the team's quarterback issues, he will make their job a lot easier as he sprints down the sidelines. Cooper would be a solid burst of youth into the Jets' offense that includes veteran Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. Right now Jeremy Kerley is the No. 3 guy, but Cooper is a much better option.
While the Jets continue to focus on the wide receiver spot for the offense, their run game leaves a lot to be desired. The team waived Chris Johnson and have Bilal Powell and Chris Ivory in the backfield. That is not enough. According to the New York Daily News, the Jets chave offically signed Stevan Ridley after bringing in the running back for a workout. They turned down potential deals for players like Knowshon Moreno and Pierre Thomas are the remaining free agency options while the Jets could try to get Todd Gurley or TJ Yeldon in the draft to help with depth.
The Jets can make all of the offensive upgrades they want, but if the team does not have a quarterback players like Cooper or Gurley will not make a difference. Head coach Todd Bowles told the media that there is room for another quarterback in the rotation, but Mariota might not be an option. The Jets could end up being in play for Brett Hundley or Bryce Petty instead.
