Way-Too-Early Mock Draft: Jets Pick Weigman To Replace Rodgers

The New York Jets know a thing or two about what having a quarterback problem feels like, and any rational organization knows how important it is to avoid one.

With Aaron Rodgers under center, the New York Jets don’t have a quarterback problem … yet. But Father Time is undefeated, and New York can’t guarantee that by midseason it won’t be feeling queasy about its short- and long-term future.

As such, the back half of the first round could be where the answer to the Jets’ quarterback question is found. That takes them out of contention for special quarterback prospects with a higher chance of changing a franchise for the better. But with a strong enough supporting cast and the opportunity to learn behind a future Hall of Famer, all hope is not lost.

Could Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman be the heir to Rodgers’ throne?

In the Vikings Wire’s latest mock draft , New York is on the clock with the No. 21 pick and gives the Aggies passer the keys to the franchise.

“The New York Jets have Aaron Rodgers, but for how long? The veteran quarterback is one bad trip away from deciding to hang it up, and the franchise cannot be held hostage,” Andrew Harbaugh wrote. “They can get Conner Weigman for potentially one year of sitting behind the former MVP to let him develop further. Weigman has the traits to be a caliber NFL quarterback, he just needs the rep and time to develop.”

For as high of a floor as Rodgers provides on the field, there will perpetually be a fair amount of uncertainty surrounding him. Between age, injuries, and wavering temptations of retirement, a new quarterback may be necessary on seemingly any given day.

There’s reason to believe Weigman’s talent deserves the opportunity to be said quarterback.

Related: Way-Too-Early Mock Draft: Jets Pick Another Polarizing Passer

Injuries have played a role of tempering his development and taking away from scouts’ confidence, but his physical tools are legitimately impressive, as is his ability to create out of structure.

Intangibly, there’s work to be done – and he’ll have to stay on the field to do so – but his inconsistencies don’t carry the same weight as they would for a top-five investment. There’s inherent risk in the profile of any late-first-round pick, but with untapped potential and a runway for development, New York wouldn’t be lacking in excitement in the post- Rodgers era.