There are times when you can feel a franchise is at a critical juncture.

The spring of 2018 was one of those times for the Jets. They basically punted on the 2017 season, knowing they wanted to draft a quarterback the following spring in what was viewed as a loaded QB class.

The Jets found themselves with the No. 3 overall pick after trading up from No. 6, and when the NFL Draft arrived, they had their pick of quarterbacks other than Baker Mayfield, who went No. 1 overall to the Browns.

The Jets chose USC’s Sam Darnold. Four picks later, their division rivals, the Bills, selected Josh Allen out of Wyoming.