New York Jets: 2018 Offseason predictions, 7-round mock draft, Vol. 2.0

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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AUSTIN, TX – SEPTEMBER 26: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys drops back to pass against the Texas Longhorns during the 1st quarter on September 26, 2015 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

Jets fans won’t likely like this pick. Rudolph is yet another developmental quarterback selection for them, but not in the same way that Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg were.

Hackenberg and Petty had footwork issues which negatively effected their accuracy. Rudolph has timing (anticipation) and progression issues that just need some repetition to work the kinks out. Rudolph tends to throw to open guys, because the Cowboys system (like many college systems) is designed for guys to be open. In the NFL, he will need to throw guys open, because they won’t be open for him. He will also have to go through his progressions fast and not lock in on his first read.

Those issues are just about learning how to do them. Once he gets the reps in practice, it could become more of a habit and more instinctual for him. It’s a matter of him not having to do it in college to be successful. Since he will have to do it to be successful in the NFL, there are no other alternatives, and if he doesn’t learn, he’ll be a career backup. Fans may hate the idea of yet another “project guy,” but this project is much easier than the last one.

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