31. New York Jets
For years, the New York Jets have been desperately searching for a quarterback to build the franchise around after spending years rolling with short-term answers like Josh McCown and Ryan Fitzpatrick. And even though McCown is still on the roster for the 2018 season, the veteran quarterback will be taking on a new role as a mentor to rookie Sam Darnold.
As soon as the Jets traded up in the offseason from No. 6 to No. 3 in the first round, it seemed pretty clear they finally had their eyes set on landing a potential quarterback, and luckily the USC standout was still available when on the clock. Like most rookie quarterbacks, Darnold will be a work in progress, and there’s a good chance that New York will have to be a little extra patient throughout 2018, but starting him as a rookie was definitely the right move.
A team like New York has nothing to lose by starting Darnold right away, and the more experience he gains as a rookie, the quicker he will hopefully reach the level the Jets need him to be at. The defense of the Detroit Lions isn’t going to make it easy for Darnold, but at least it will be a good early test to see where the rookie stands.