You ask, we answer. The Post is fielding questions from readers about New York’s biggest pro sports teams and getting our beat writers to answer them in a series of regularly published mailbags. In today’s installment: the Jets.
If the Jets somehow end up with the first-overall pick in next year’s draft, do you think they will take Trevor Lawrence, or trade back? How dedicated are (Adam) Gase and (Joe Douglas) to (Sam) Darnold? Would they pass up the opportunity to improve the most important position in football? — Thomas G
Well, if the Jets get the first pick because of their record, I think you can take Gase out of this equation. They will have a new coach. I suppose they could trade into the No. 1 pick, but I don’t think Jets fans should be dreaming about Trevor Lawrence.
The Jets love Sam Darnold. That being said, he needs to show improvement this year to earn a long-term contract. He is eligible for a contract extension after this year, though the Jets don’t have to do anything. They have him under contract through 2022 and can add 2023 with the franchise tag.
Darnold has shown flashes of being a very good quarterback. Now, he has to show consistency. But both Gase and Douglas are Darnold believers. He is still viewed as their long-term quarterback. It would take a really bad 2020 season to change that.
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Do you think Denzel Mims can be an elite WR? — Michael Sabesan
I think he can be. That does not mean I am predicting he will be. Mims has some elite traits. He is lightning fast (4.37 in the 40) and has shown skill making contested catches. The questions around Mims surround his hands and his ability to run all of the routes. The Baylor offense is simple compared to what he will be asked to do in the NFL. I have heard from a few people that the drops issue was overstated and it was not like he was dropping easy catches. We’ll see.
It is going to be on Gase and wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson to bring Mims along. It could take a little while. I don’t think fans should expect him to walk in the door and be a superstar. He could take a while to realize his potential. The way this offseason is structured with no on-field work hurts rookies like Mims the most. It will delay his development.
What made the Jets go (Mekhi) Becton over (Tristan) Wirfs? — Chris Minogue
Good question, Chris. The Jets are not saying what gave Becton the edge over Wirfs, but I think you can look at the two prospects and see what they were looking for. Becton is a ready-made left tackle at 6-foot-7, 360 pounds. Wirfs projects more as a right tackle or even a guard. That knocks him down a peg. Becton has a higher ceiling while Wirfs may be more of a sure thing — again not at left tackle. It will be interesting to see how these four top tackles work out. I think the Jets liked Becton’s size and his potential to protect Darnold’s blindside.
Joe Douglas referenced the importance of a quality backup for Sam Darnold when explaining why he took James Morgan. Can we expect that they will add a quality veteran backup? — Bobby Rinaldi
I thought they would add a veteran backup before the draft. Now, I’m not so sure. David Fales is a veteran, even though he has very little experience. Fales is a favorite of Gase, so he may feel comfortable entering the season with him as Darnold’s primary backup with Morgan as a developmental player. I would prefer having a more experienced backup. Darnold has missed six games in two years and the Jets are 0-6 in those games. Backup quarterback is an important position.
What will the Jets do with Brian Winters? He has a pretty big cap hit for next year and (it) feels like they signed and drafted linemen to replace him. — Errol Englert
I am surprised that Winters is still on the roster. Douglas has spoken highly of him this offseason, something GMs don’t always do when they are planning on cutting a guy. I think the Jets are going to let Winters compete in training camp for a starting spot then make a decision at the end of camp. He has a $7 million cap figure for this season. That is a big number for a backup. They could cut him at the end of camp if he does not win a starting job.
One WR (13th taken no less) in a historic WR class, a boom-or-bust pick at 11 and a safety at 68 (one of our few deep positions) seems like a risky/bad draft strategy with the first 3 picks. Am I wrong? — Jesse
If you want to criticize one thing about the Jets draft this is it, Jesse. I understand your thinking. However, the Jets had a lot of holes to fill in this draft. I think they would have taken a second receiver if one was at the top of their board when the pick came up. I think Ashtyn Davis will be a fan favorite from what I am learning about him. Expect him to be a nice piece on special teams and on defense. Jabari Zuniga is a roll of the dice because of his injury history. But there is no denying the Jets need help on the pass rush.