In mid-November of last year, somebody asked then-Jets QB coach Jeremy Bates (now the team’s offensive coordinator) why they weren’t playing Christian Hackenberg or Bryce Petty.
He responded, “This is professional football. This isn’t Triple-A.”
Bates isn’t into playing quarterbacks before they’re ready.
Somebody asked Mike Maccagnan on Monday how important is “readiness to play” in the team’s decision on which QB to pick at three.
He really didn’t answer the question, but “readiness” isn’t what this pick is all about.
The Jets aren’t picking their 2018 Week One starter in this draft.
They are looking for their 2019 starter.
Bates doesn’t like starting guys until they are truly ready. He’s not into rushing people. And if the team’s brass makes him rush a QB into action, they are looking for a fight with their new OC.
Also, the Jets have missed the playoffs seven years in a row. They need to make the playoffs in 2018. The drought needs to end, especially with their ticket prices.
So that’s why Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater are on the roster.
The Jets need to make a playoff run in 2018.
The third pick in the draft is being picked to groom and develop in 2018, to probably take over in 2019 (unless McCown or Bridgewater has an unbelievable season, then it could be later than 2019).
The only likely way the kid is going to play this year is if the Jets are out of the playoff hunt during the second half of the season.
To subscribe to the monthly Jets Confidential Magazine, loaded with info on Gang Green you won’t ready anywhere else, click below, or call 1-800-932-4557 (M-F, 9-5).
