New York Jets: 2018 Offseason predictions through the draft

FLORHAM PARK, NJ - JANUARY 21: New York Jets Owner Woody Johnson (C) poses with new General Manager Mike Maccagnan (L) and new Head Coach Todd Bowles after they were introduced to the media during a press conference on January 21, 2015 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 19: Christian Hackenberg #5 of the New York Jets drops back to pass during the first quarter of the preseason game against the Detroit Lions on August 19, 2017 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Jets 16-6. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

The Christian Hackenberg saga

Many fans were upset that they didn’t even get the chance to see “how Hackenberg could do” in the Week 17 game in New England. To many fans the “writing is on the wall,” and they assume Hackenberg’s time is numbered with the Jets. That said, Todd Bowles did the right thing by not inserting Hackenberg into the game. Either he started or didn’t play (barring injury).

A half or a quarter wouldn’t prove anything. The media and fans would overreact to the one half or quarter of play. Not playing him doesn’t signal anything. With this draft and free agency class, the Jets have finally completed the necessary building blocks to have a good team around Hackenberg.

He will go into training camp as the starter. If he still shows he’s not capable of handling the NFL, the Jets will have no other option but to cut him and sign a veteran backup for McCown and go into the 2019 NFL Draft looking to move up to grab a quarterback. If Hackenberg plays well, then the Jets have their franchise quarterback.

Next: 2018 NFL Playoffs: Picks, predictions for Divisional Round

It’s become painfully obvious that the Jets want to go into 2018 giving Hackenberg no excuses for failure. Additionally, the reason Bowles and Mike Maccagnan were given two-year extensions was just for this reason, either get Hackenberg ready for 2018, or find the quarterback of the future in 2019, and have him ready for a playoff push in 2019 or 2020 (depending on his development pace).

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