New York Jets: Assessing the quarterback position entering training camp
Christian Hackenberg
The Jets are heavily invested in the former Penn State product — Hackenberg was their second-round selection (51st overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft — so unless he totally implodes in training camp, I feel he should start the season opener in Buffalo. It’s time to see how Hackenberg can perform on the NFL stage.
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Accuracy has always been an issue with him but Jets quarterback coach Jeremy Bates liked what he saw from Hackenberg during minicamp and OTAs, as he explained to nyj.247sports.com:
"“I think he’s throwing the ball well. He’s throwing it on time. Part of his accuracy is knowing where to go with the ball, and each day, he plays faster. He gets in a rhythm, and I think everyone in the building is excited to see where he’s going. I think he’s accurate.”"
Hopefully Hackenberg will receive plenty of reps in training camp and the preseason to show just how accurate a passer he is evolving into. The Jets have to give him every opportunity to win the starting job this year to see if he has a future with New York. It’s his time to shine.
However, if he fails, then the Jets can forge ahead and hope they are able to draft highly-touted quarterback prospect Sam Darnold of USC in next year’s draft. But if he succeeds, then New York may have a franchise quarterback on their hands.