Heading into the 2015 season, no one has exactly voiced a ringing support for the future of Geno Smith. While new Jets' head coach Todd Bowles has stressed Smith will remain on the team, he continues to stress the need for another body in the quarterback rotation. Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey echoed the same beliefs. However, NFL analyst Jon Gruden believes 2015 could be a better year for Smith as New York's pursuit of another quarterback continues to fall flat.
As the Jets continue sifting through the incoming quarterback class with pre-draft visits, Gruden believes that Smith might end up being the best option for the team in 2015. Through two seasons, Smith has been a roller coaster quarterback with more lows than highs, but Gruden says on film there is progress and he would be surprised if the Jets gave up on the quarterback this season.
"I'd be surprised if the Jets pull the plug on Geno because, as painful as it is for some Jets fans, I see some progress," Gruden said, via ESPNNewYork.com. "Geno Smith, as polarizing as he is from most of the people I hear talk about him, he's getting better. He is showing some progress and they are adding some players around him. Brandon Marshall comes to town to potentially give him a go-to target. I think [Jace] Amaro, the young tight end, has a chance to be a factor in the passing game. ... Maybe another year of spending time with Geno, with a solid backup like Fitzpatrick, will be beneficial."
The support for Smith comes as Rich Cimini of ESPN reports the Jets will not be holding a visit with Jameis Winston heading into the draft. With the No. 6 pick, there has been talk that the Jets are in prime position to trade up for either Winston or Mariota in the draft. New York got a pre-draft visit with Mariota along with Brett Hundley, Bryce Petty and Garrett Grayson. The latter two quarterbacks are expected to be taken in the second or third rounds while Mariota could go as high as No. 2. If the Jets really wanted one of the top two quarterbacks it would cost them greatly.
Instead, the New York Post predicts the Jets will either take a top wide receiver in Amari Cooper or Kevin White along with potentially eyeing pass rushers like Vic Beasley or Dante Fowler Jr. If the Jets do not select a top quarterback, the better draft plan could be to build around Smith in order for him to be successful in the upcoming season.
