Hour 2: Jets Draft Strategy

In this episode of The Michael Kay Show, host Jake Asman dives deep into the New York Jets' upcoming NFL Draft strategy, focusing on the controversial suggestion by former GM Mike Tannenbaum that the Jets should trade two second-round picks to move up to pick 25 and select quarterback Ty Simpson. Asman strongly disagrees, arguing that the Jets have pressing needs at wide receiver and cornerback, and that drafting Simpson at 16 or trading for him would be a massive risk given his limited college experience (15 starts), lack of proven durability, and the fact that Geno Smith is expected to start. He highlights the Jets' poor history of drafting receivers in the second round and questions the wisdom of trading away future assets for a quarterback who may not see meaningful playing time. While acknowledging Simpson’s potential and the appeal of a long-term plan, Asman emphasizes that such a move requires full organizational alignment and a belief that Simpson is the franchise's future—something he doubts. The episode features passionate listener calls debating Simpson, Arvel Reese, and the Jets' overall direction, with many fans expressing skepticism about the team’s ability to develop a quarterback without sacrificing future flexibility. Asman concludes that while taking Simpson in the second round at 33 is a reasonable swing, trading for him at 16 or moving up for him is a reckless gamble that could backfire.