While all the talk in New York football circles has been about which young signal caller the Giants could select near the top of the 2018 NFL Draft, both local franchises need a long-term answer at the position.
Despite overachieving early in the 2017 season, the Jets have careened back to earth and enter Week 17 in position to land a top-10 pick in the upcoming draft. Although that (barring a trade) likely takes the Jets out of the running for USC's Sam Darnold or UCLA's Josh Rosen, a slew of first-round caliber quarterback will be there for the team to decide on.
In Bleacher Report's latest mock draft following Week 16 results, the Jets landed a controversial star from Oklahoma with the eighth pick: Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield has elicited comparisons to Johnny Manziel for his playing style within the Big 12, but his talent and production makes him an intriguing idea for any team in need of a signal caller.
Heading into the College Football Playoff, Mayfield owns the following stats this season: 71.0 completion percentage, 4,340 yards, 41 TD, 5 INT. In addition, Mayfield has compiled 310 rushing yards while leading Oklahoma to a spot in college football's final four.
Mayfield will lead the Oklahoma Sooners on Jan. 1 in the Rose Bowl vs. Georgia. The winner will earn a spot in the 2018 National College Football Championship Game.
Mayfield could give the Jets a franchise quarterback for the first time in, well, a long time. New York hasn't spent a top pick on a quarterback since taking Mark Sanchez out of USC in 2009.
Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.