The Jets may have no shot of landing Jameis Winston in the NFL Draft, but that has not stopped them from doing their homework.
Winston will pay the Jets a pre-draft visit, according to a source. The Florida State quarterback is viewed by most as the No. 1 quarterback in the draft and by some as the top player overall. The Buccaneers are expected to take Winston with the first-overall pick, but the Jets will be ready if he somehow falls to No. 6, where they will draft or becomes available in a trade.
The Jets attended Winston’s pro day last month in Tallahassee. General manager Mike Maccagnan, head coach Todd Bowles and offensive coordinator Chan Gailey were all there. The Jets planned on having a private workout with Winston, but canceled it after the marathon throwing session at his pro day. Winston threw 102 passes that day.
There are not many questions left about Winston’s ability. Now, teams are trying to figure out how much of a character risk he is. The Jets can do that through an interview in the visit and their own research into his past. Winston has been involved in a number of off-field incidents — most notably he was accused of rape, but chargers were never brought against him.
Winston is not the only quarterback the Jets are checking on before the draft. They flew to Oregon for a private workout last month with Marcus Mariota, who could fall to them at No. 6. They also had a private workout with UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley last month. Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty will visit the Jets this week, according to a source. Draft experts have Hundley and Petty projected as mid-round picks.
The Jets currently have Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Matt Simms on the roster at quarterback. Smith and Fitzpatrick are expected to compete for the starting job this summer. But a rookie could change that plan.
The Jets will pick up the fifth-year option on outside linebacker Quinton Coples, according to a source. The option, which is for the 2016 season, does not have to be exercised until May 3.
Coples, the team’s first-round pick in 2012, has 16 ½ sacks in three seasons. The option is for $7.8 million and is only guaranteed for injury until the beginning of the 2016 league year, so the Jets could cut Coples after this season if he fails to perform.
Virginia OLB Eli Harold will take a pre-draft visit with the Jets, according to a source. Harold is considered a top-40 pick.