If the New York Jets sign Kirk Cousins, they certainly won't draft a quarterback with the sixth overall pick. That would clear the way to address another position, virtually ensuring them one of the blue-chippers.

Not counting quarterbacks, there are at least four "difference-makers" in the draft, according to NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock. He mentioned Penn State running back Saquon Barkley, Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson, NC State defensive end Bradley Chubb and Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick.

You have to believe at least two quarterbacks will be chosen in the top five, meaning one of the so-called difference-makers will fall to the Jets. One caveat: Mayock isn't sure if Fitzpatrick -- a safety/cornerback hybrid -- is the best fit for them.

"From my perspective, if they were able to sign Cousins, the corner that makes the most sense is Denzel Ward," Mayock said Monday on a national conference call.

Mayock believes the speedster from Ohio State is "the only corner right now that you could bang the table for in the top 10." Evidently, he doesn't see Fitzpatrick as a full-time corner. ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. said last week that Fitzpatrick could absolutely play corner in the Jets' system.

Opinions are divided, but the bigger point is, the Jets are in position to land a terrific talent, the reward for a second straight 5-11 season. This week, they'll all be in Indianapolis, along with 300-plus other prospects, for the annual NFL scouting combine.

Obviously, everything changes if the Jets don't sign Cousins and need to draft a quarterback. Mayock rated USC's Sam Darnold and Wyoming's Josh Allen as his top two, respectively, saying he wouldn't be surprised if they're chosen 1-2. Barring an unprecedented run on quarterbacks at the top, the Jets probably would have a shot at one of the top four passers, with UCLA's Josh Rosen and Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield included in that group.

Mayock isn't as high on Rosen, whom he called "the best pure passer I've seen in several years." But he cited a durability concern, citing a shoulder injury and concussions from college.

"I'm concerned whether or not he can play enough games to make a significant dent in the NFL," Mayock said. "I love his talent, but I'm very worried about his ability to survive."

As for Mayfield, Mayock isn't concerned about his size (Mayfield is 6 feet tall), but he believes the Heisman Trophy winner is "a different cup of tea for everybody." In other words, he suspects certain teams will be turned off by his bravado (some call it immaturity), while others will embrace it.

"It really comes down to off the field, face to face, in the meeting rooms, with the decision-makers and whether or not you’re going to buy into character and him being the face of your franchise," Mayock said. "I think there are some teams that are going to say, 'No. I see some talent, but it’s not my guy.' I think there are some other teams that are going to say, 'It's no biggie. There’s maybe some emotional, competitive immaturity, but outside of that, I'm good.'"

Speaking of Allen, Mayock spoke glowingly of his arm strength. While he acknowledged concern about his 56 percent completion rate in college, he said Allen is "the biggest-armed quarterback" he's seen since JaMarcus Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in 2007. For Allen's sake, you hope that isn't a kiss of death. Russell is one of the biggest busts in NFL history.

Darnold, who is not expected to throw at the combine, is Mayock's No. 1-rated quarterback.

"And the reason I do is I think he's got plus size, plus arm strength, outstanding athlete, and I really like the way he extends plays inside and outside of the pocket," he said. "... Now, the flip side to Darnold are the turnovers, and not just interceptions, but fumbles. He's got a history of fumbling going back to high school. But I think fumbling can be controlled in the pocket."