The New York Jets are less than settled at the quarterback position right now. Last year's starter, Ryan Fitzpatrick, remains an unsigned free agent despite throwing for 3,905 yards and 31 touchdowns while leading the team to 10 wins (of course, his three pick effort in the last game of the season against the Buffalo Bills didn't leave a warm and fuzzy memory in New York). Though the two sides are expected to eventually reach some sort of agreement, the situation underscores New York's long-term uncertainty at the position.
Fitzpatrick, 33, is not going to be the Jets' franchise quarterback for years to come. Geno Smith obviously isn't that guy either, which is why New York needs to be thinking big picture under center. It's also why the team is reportedly set to host Memphis passer Paxton Lynch for a pre-draft visit.
Unlike other teams and some of their pre-draft visits, this pairing is actually realistic. Lynch is considered to be the No. 3 quarterback prospect behind North Dakota State's Carson Wentz and Cal's Jared Goff. That means he could very well be available when New York is on the clock with the 20th overall pick.
Lynch is set to have his pro day next Wednesday while Wentz and Goff have already had theirs. Jets general manager Mike Maccagan was not present at either one, but he did attend the Penn State pro day to see Christian Hackenberg, who is also scheduled for a pre-draft visit with New York.
Lynch completed 66.8 percent of his passes this past year while throwing for 3,778 yards with 28 touchdowns against just four interceptions. It was the second consecutive season in which he threw single digit picks. He also ran for 239 yards and two scores as well.
At 6-foot-7 and 245 lbs, Lynch has great size and athleticism for the position. However, his accuracy and mechanics could use some more consistency. Assuming the Jets re-sign Fitzpatrick, Lynch would be an enticing QB project to develop over time behind the veteran signal-caller.
The NFL Draft will take place from April 28-30.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
