The Jets needed a backup quarterback behind Sam Darnold and went with the big-armed James Morgan out of Florida International with the 125th overall pick.
This was a bit early to take a quarterback, especially considering the more pressing needs the Jets still have. But Morgan is an intriguing prospect. He tailors his game after Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, who he grew up watching. That comparison seems a bit daunting, obviously, considering Morgan’s inconsistency and tendency to force deep passes when pressured.
Morgan has good size at 6-foot-4, 213 pounds and a powerful arm. He completed 61.5 percent of his passes in two seasons at FIU after transferring from Bowling Green for 5,312 yards and 40 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Though he lacks pocket presence and mobility, he appears fearless against defenders and can gut out plays.
It’s always smart to take a gamble on a late-round quarterback, but the only way Morgan is worth his selection is if he can pass David Fales as Darnold’s backup. Otherwise, this could be a wasted pick when the Jets had other positions to fill.
