New York Jets: Making the case for Bryce Petty

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Apr 13, 2015

Despite acquiring quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick via trade this offseason, the New York Jets are still in need of more options at quarterback.

Geno Smith has been working hard this offseason but his past is something that leaves many worrying about if he’ll continue to regress as a starting option. Then of course you have Matt Simms who hasn’t been able to crack being more than a backup quarterback since he’s not really the long-term answer the Jets are looking for.

Should the Jets draft another quarterback into the mix in hopes of finding a diamond in the rough? If they can land a top prospect quarterback in the second- or third-round of the 2015 NFL draft, they could find someone to mold towards possibly being their future franchise quarterback.

Someone like Bryce Petty would be an ideal direction to head in.

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According to Mike Mayock of NFL.com, he ranks Petty as the No. 3 overall quarterback in the draft. At 6’3″ and 230 pounds, Petty would bring a lot to the table if he’s on a developmental plan with the Jets. He’s incredibly smart, determined and has plenty of upside to be coached towards future success.

Petty would be a good option for the Jets to head in since he could work under Fitzpatrick and even Smith since both are veterans that could help him transition nicely into the pros. Petty is in a similar category to Marcus Mariota in that he’s only been use to working on a no-huddle spread offensive system. He’ll need a few years of coaching and training before mastering a pro-offense.

As a natural born leader, Petty could easily be a hidden gem of the draft since all he needs is to be given a year or two on the sidelines learning the ins and outs of what it takes to succeed. The Jets wouldn’t have to trade up in the draft to land either Mariota or Jameis Winston if they have someone like Petty who could very well land into the second round or later in the draft.

Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty (14) throws a pass in the first quarter against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

While it is highly doubtful that the team would use the No. 6 overall pick on Petty, in the event that the Jets do trade their first-round pick and get more draft picks to play with, I could definitely see them landing Petty later on. He’s accurate, has good arm strength and is really just a few years away at possibly being the next big thing to hit the NFL courtesy of the Jets.

With 8,195 passing yards, 62 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions in his career at Baylor, Petty has the track record of knowing how to be successful while putting his team in a great position to win plenty of football games. Also keep in mind, should the Jets deploy a no-huddle spread offense thanks to new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, it’ll be an even easier time for him to really sit back and grow into his role as a pro quarterback.

Overall, the Jets absolutely need to draft another quarterback but should look for one in the second to third round of the draft since Petty should be available for the taking. I think under the right guidance, Petty would thrive on the Jets in a developmental role and who knows, could actually be the long-term answer the Jets have been searching for in the near future.

Next: New York Jets: Making the case for Kevin White

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