AFC Notes: Jets, Patriots, Titans

Jets

Jets QB Sam Darnold had an up-and-down rookie season in 2018. But the way he finished on a high note in the last month of the season, and the addition of offensive-minded HC Adam Gase, has Darnold and everyone in the Jets organization thinking big in 2019. 

“I still have a lot to learn,” Darnold said via the NY Daily News’ Manish Mehta. “I felt like I learned a ton and I feel I’m just going to continue to grow, especially with Adam. I have the utmost confidence in myself to be able to grow as a player.”

“The reason that I’m so pumped is that I know — and I’m confident — that we’re going to score a lot of points,” Darnold added.

Patriots

• Browns QB Baker Mayfield initially thought the Browns would pass on him and the Patriots would trade up to draft him at No. 2 in 2018, per ESPN’s Mina Kimes. 
• This echoes a report from Mayfield’s agent last year, who says the Patriots considered using their two first-round picks and two second-round picks in 2018 to trade up. 
• It’s also unlikely the Giants, who had their hearts set on RB Saquon Barkley at No. 2, would have chosen to trade down with the Patriots. 

Titans

• According to Jim Wyatt of the official team website, there’s a chance Titans OT Jack Conklin starts camp on the PUP list as he continues to recover from a knee injury. 
• The Titans declined Conklin’s fifth-year option, making 2019 a contract year for the former first-round pick.
• Wyatt writes that Kevin Pamphile and third-round G Nate Davis will compete for the starting right guard spot. 
• The Titans could also consider moving OT Dennis Kelly inside to guard if he’s not starting at right tackle in place of Conklin.