While Geno Smith appears to be the starter in New York for the upcoming season, his long-term status with the team is very much up in the air. After throwing 34 career interceptions in just 30 games, it's understandable if the Jets want to broaden their horizons at the quarterback position.
So even with a revamped defense that appears poised to wreak havoc in the AFC East this year, the Jets will likely be scouting quarterbacks early on in the 2016 NFL Draft. Which prospect makes the most sense though? Projecting wins and losses and draft slots this far out is rarely an accurate endeavor, but CBS Sports has New York selecting Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg with the No. 6 overall pick in next year's draft.
"Although his development dipped in 2014, Hackenberg has the traits of a top 10 pick and if he improves his consistency, he'll be drafted this high."
Hackenberg did indeed disappoint this past season. He completed just 55.8 percent of his passes while throwing for 2,977 yards with 12 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Not exactly a ringing endorsement. However, scouts are agreed that his ability far outpaces his actual numbers and that he is due for a breakout season this year. At 6-foot-4 and 234 pounds (not to mention a solid 4.78 40-yard dash) Hackenberg has the size and athleticism franchises are looking for in the position. The question is, can he put it all together in 2015?
If he can't, other QB options that have been mentioned for the Jets are Michigan State's Connor Cook and Ohio State's Cardale Jones. Jones hit the ground running with his only three collegiate starts coming in the Big 10 Championship, Sugar Bowl and National Championship (all victories). He'll have to beat out Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett for the starting gig - no easy task - but if he does, he has the frame, mobility and arm to be something special. Cook, meanwhile, oozes swagger and has the skills to back it up. His decision making has improved drastically since being named the starter midway through the 2013 season.
Of course, we'll have to see how New York's season plays out before we anoint them a new starting quarterback. But at least there are some interesting options out there.
