Jets Cloud QB Situation Even More, Take PSU's Hackenberg
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — The New York Jets have a new quarterback on their roster — whether or not Ryan Fitzpatrick returns.
The Jets selected Penn State star Christian Hackenberg with their second-round pick in the NFL draft Friday night.
With Fitzpatrick still unsigned and in a contract stalemate with the Jets, New York added the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Hackenberg, who threw 16 touchdowns with six interceptions last season for the Nittany Lions. In three seasons at Penn State, Hackenberg set the school marks for career passing yards, completions and touchdowns.
In the third round, the Jets addressed one of their biggest needs by taking Georgia's Jordan Jenkins, a pass-rushing outside linebacker. Jenkins had 19 sacks in four seasons with the Bulldogs.
Hackenberg is regarded as a pro-style dropback, pocket passer with a strong arm, but was sacked 104 times in three seasons and there are questions about his mobility. His overall abilities have been widely scrutinized over the last two years, and he acknowledged that he's happy to get a fresh start in the NFL.
"Yeah, I think that's awesome," Hackenberg said during a conference call.
Hackenberg is the only Nittany Lions player with three 2,000-yard passing seasons and never missed a start in college, playing in 38 straight. He decided to enter the draft early rather than return for his senior season.
He was the Big Ten freshman of the year in 2013, when he threw for 20 touchdowns and 2,955 yards in 12 games. Hackenberg's production dipped the following season, throwing for 12 TDs and 15 INTs along with 2,977 yards in 13 games.
"Yeah, I'm just really looking forward to getting better with this opportunity," Hackenberg said during a conference call, "I had a great college experience, in my opinion, learned a lot of things, faced a lot of adversity and had success."
The Jets also have Geno Smith, the former starter who was a second-rounder in 2013, and Bryce Petty, a fourth-rounder last year, at quarterback.
General manager Mike Maccagnan said leading up to the draft that the Jets would likely take a quarterback at some point, and insisted Fitzpatrick's situation wouldn't affect that approach. It's possible New York could still re-sign Fitzpatrick and allow Hackenberg to sit this season as the team's No. 3 behind Smith or Petty — and then have Hackenberg compete for the starting job next year.
Hackenberg worked with former NFL quarterback Jordan Palmer during the offseason to improve his technique.
"I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity and a lot of hours have gone into this," Hackenberg said. "This is just the beginning."
It appeared that perhaps he would be reunited with his former college coach in Bill O'Brien, whose Texans traded up in the second round to the 50th pick, one spot ahead of the Jets. But Houston instead drafted Notre Dame center Nick Martin.
"I was sitting out in my backyard (in Virginia) playing cornhole when my Mom came running out with the phone," Hackenberg said with a laugh. "So, I didn't really know what was going on. I'm really just fortunate, man."
The 6-foot-3, 247-pound Jenkins had 10 1/2 tackles for loss and four sacks last season despite playing with a torn groin and abdominal wall most of the season that sapped some of his burst off the line.
"I feel like it took away a lot," Jenkins said during a conference call. "I was eager to get back out there and I didn't really give it as much time to recover as it needed, but I feel like I adapted and played efficiently the rest of the season."
Jenkins was worked out by Bowles a few weeks ago, and the Jets coach told him he'd see him soon.
"I feel like I add pressure and bring a lot of intensity and physicality to the game," Jenkins said. "I'm just a guy who enjoys getting after it and getting physical."
New York drafted Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee in the first round with the 20th overall pick Thursday night.
(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
