SHAKE AND BAKE
The latest super-sized edition of the Jets Mailbag features the truth about Josh Rosen, the biggest hurdle for Baker Mayfield, the Christian Hackenberg dilemma and much more. Continue to tweet questions about all things Jets to @MMehtaNYDN.
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Why are people so quick to overlook Josh Rosen’s flaws? He has injury concerns as well as character concerns. Some even question his passion and personality. With Mayfield, they heavily criticize his character even though he has much passion and is a team leader. It doesn’t seem fair. — @RyanLink723
First and foremost, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I had one general manager (of a team that won’t be in the market for one of the top four quarterbacks) tell me recently that he had Mayfield as his top-rated signal caller. Mayfield’s competitiveness and leadership should be praised. Frankly, I haven’t found a GM, scout or personnel guy to question that part of what he brings to the table. Heck, the Jets LOVE that about him too. But, I think the Jets will hit a home run if they get Rosen. He’s the best pure pocket passer in this draft. Nobody is smarter on the board than this guy, either. He’s got the goods: Brains, physical skills and polish. I’ve spoken to scouts that believe the “character concerns” are overblown.
Here’s the deal with Rosen, according to people who have put in the time to research this guy: He’s an incredibly smart human being. Sure, he’s been outspoken about nonfootball matters in the past year, but rest assured that that won’t be a real factor for any quarterback-needy team.
Rosen just needs to accept that not everyone possesses the same football I.Q. as him. That will come with time. Scouts that I’ve spoken to aren’t overly concerned about that. He just needs to be around coaches who operate on that same wavelength. It’s funny, because new Jets offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates possesses