Entering training camp for the New York Jets, all eyes will be on the quarterback position. The success of the team will depend on Geno Smith and his development in a critical third year. According to head coach Todd Bowles, Smith is entering camp at the top of the depth chart, but nothing is guaranteed at this point in time. With two other quarterbacks on the roster, can someone make a real run at Smith's job?
At the start of the offseason, the Jets acquired Ryan Fitzpatrick in a trade. At the time, no one was certain whether he was just a replacement to Michael Vick or whether he was intended to be the starter in 2015. Then the Jets drafted Bryce Petty, another quarterback that may or may not be in the running to start. While Smith gets the nod early, Petty could make a real run at the job.
According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, Petty is looking like a project quarterback rather than a guaranteed starter. Cimini writes that Petty looked strong in practice, showing off what everyone knew about him. The former Baylor star has a strong arm that makes big throws, but he has yet to display what he can do in a game situation. Right now, Smith is clearly the better quarterback, but the coaching staff reportedly likes the potential of Petty and believe he might have the "it" factor.
Petty could be in the lead for the backup position simply because Fitzpatrick is an unknown. According to the New York Post, the veteran quarterback has yet to do much of anything as he continues to heal from a broken leg suffered last December. While Fitzpatrick has the experience, Petty is getting in more work with the wide receivers and could be gaining the coach's favor.
So what happens if Smith does not develop into the star the Jets need? While Fitzpatrick or Petty might be short-term options, what is the long-term outlook? Cimini writes that Petty is the post-Smith plan if needed while there are several quarterbacks that will be chased in 2016. Sam Bradford, Philip Rivers, Nick Foles and Kirk Cousins will all be available come next offseason and New York will make a run at any of them. Cap space will be an issue for the team, but Cimini believes the team will eye the guaranteed success of a veteran rather than drafting someone for the job.
