It’s been a long time since the Jets cracked any type of list involving quarterbacks other than “rookie potential” or “most likely to get cut”.

But Aaron Rodgers finding his way to New York from the Green Bay Packers certainly has changed things throughout the organization. The team has a different aura about them. They are practicing different. They are recruiting different. Their goals are different.

And now, they are viewed different. ESPN surveyed league executives, coaches, scouts, and players to help them rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions. With quarterback list finalized the Jets find themselves in a different position than they have been in decades. Near the top.

Aaron Rodgers, the future Hall of Fame quarterback for the New York Jets, checks in on this list at number four. That’s right. According to people in the NFL, the Jets who have not had a legitimate franchise quarterback since Chad Pennington, have a top five quarterback in the league.

The New York Jets, who have not made the playoffs in over a decade have a quarterback listed above a former MVP in Lamar Jackson and the guy who made a pretty strong case to win the MVP last year in Jalen Hurts.

Rodgers comes in fourth, behind the new generation of young quarterbacks storming the NFL. Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is the obvious number one, followed Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals and Josh Allen of the division rival Buffalo Bills.

The question with Rodgers now becomes his age (39) along with his down (by his standards) year last season. "I think everyone is afraid to say he's declined a little," an AFC scout said. "He's still a great thrower and sees it really well, but he's more like [ranked] eight to 12 for me."

The fact that Rodgers was still able to put up 3,695 yards and 26 touchdowns while having no proven weapons says more positive about Rodgers than the fact that it was a dip from his norm would say negative.

"If you watch his tape, he still makes some beautiful throws," an AFC executive said. "It's hard when you don't have comfort level with receivers. That's probably undervalued that people don't necessarily take into account. It's not instant-make orange juice. You could see chemistry and timing was off early on. He might not have the same mobility to run, but he will have upgrades with the Jets' offense and will take advantage."

For Rodgers, this season the Jets will likely give him his best group of weapons he has had in a long time top to bottom while simultaneously taking the pressure off the offense. In the past, Rodgers has been forced to rely on one guy whether it be Davante Adams or Jordy Nelson. With this Jets team, he has a true number one in Garrett Wilson while having plenty of talent around him.

Rodgers will also have a top defense, which he has not had in years with Green Bay. Rodgers will be able to put up big numbers without needing to put up big numbers.

It would be prudent to expect a big year from Rodgers as he seems to be reinvigorated after the change of scenery. He is as involved with the Jets offseason program as he has ever been with Green Bay since he became a star.

It’s clear now that ESPN expects big things from Rodgers in 2023. So do the Jets and the rest of the league.

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Featured Image via Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK