The Mike White Train Is Running Full Steam Ahead With Swagger

The 2018 NFL draft was seen as a loaded class of quarterbacks all fit for the No. 1 overall pick, belonging to the Cleveland Browns.

Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield was the ultimate selection — with Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Josh Rosen also joining the discussion for the potential pick.

Years later, the eventual No. 171 pick (QB Mike White, Dallas Cowboys) is starting a handful of teams for his new team, the New York Jets, in 2021, and feels like he deserves some overdue credit.

“If you ask me, I should’ve been a first-overall pick,” White said, discussing his upcoming start against the Buffalo Bills in Week 10. “But that’s neither here nor there. That’s four years ago.”

He continues to fill in for this year's No. 2 overall pick in Zach Wilson, currently out with a knee injury.

White played like a No. 1 overall pick in his last full start: throwing for over 400 yards and three scores (albeit two turnovers) against a solid Cincinnati Bengals defense, leading the Jets to their second win of the season.

White reassured his listeners that the swagger isn't a façade. “I definitely believe that," he said. "I think if you ask any quarterback in the NFL and they don’t give you that answer, then that’s kind of an issue.”

White may have a point with being regarded as a top quarterback candidate for 2018's lottery teams — considering how UCLA’s Josh Rosen fizzled out in his tenure with the Arizona Cardinals and former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold still struggling to maintain a starter's role.

Aside from Mayfield and Josh Allen, it's hard to contend that Mike White isn't currently the third (or second) hottest name among the class of play callers.

This weekend he'll have a chance to climb those ranking as he faces off against 2018's No. 7 pick in Allen and the Bills.

Follow along on Twitter: @AlejandroAveela