2016 NFL Draft: Top 7 quarterbacks NY Jets should draft

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Nov 14, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) throws the ball during the fourth quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. The Cougars won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The NY Jets might consider drafting another quarterback in the 2016 NFL Draft. Here are some players that make sense to take a chance on for the future.

The draft and quarterbacks for the Jets haven’t gone very smoothly over the last 15 years. The latest acquisition is Bryce Petty, but who knows if he will ever pan out. Throw in others such as Tajh Boyd (2014), Geno Smith (2013), Greg McElroy (2011), Mark Sanchez (2009), Erik Ainge (2008), Kellen Clemens (2006), Brooks Bollinger (2003) and you just have to shake your head. The crown jewel was Chad Pennington in 2003.

Ryan Fitzpatrick may be magic with offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, but he does not hold much future value, even though he is important for the team right now and needs to be re-signed. But this seems easier than making the decision on taking the chance of taking another quarterback in the draft. General manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles have expressed their desire to re-sign impending free agent Fitzpatrick, but nothing is guaranteed.

Rumors surfaced that Colin Kaepernick wants to play in New York but he still has five years remaining on a blockbuster $114 million extension signed in 2014 that includes escape hatches for his current employer. The Jets, coming off a 10-win season, would have to trade for Kaepernick or wait until he’s cut, and at this moment, it doesn’t seem that the Jets are interested in him, and Brandon Marshall is in front of that brigade.

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Marshall stated his feelings by saying “I don’t want Kaepernick,” as he told ESPN’s First Take on Wednesday morning.

“I think he’s good. My guy’s Fitz. It’s nothing against Kaepernick, but what I’m saying is that I have my quarterbacks, and I’m good.”

Other quarterbacks are out there too; one of my recent articles expresses the different directions that the Jets can go, maybe they can bring back free agent Clemens for a full circle (please don’t happen). Since, there is little trade value, and the free agent marketplace is too expensive for the items on the shelf, this leaves two areas to consider.

First, should New York just stand firm and go with what is on the roster, or second, should the Jets take another dip into the draft pool? We know where they stand if the leave the roster the same, but is there someone out there in quarterback availability that the Jets can take under their wing?

Because the 2016 NFL Combine has not occurred yet, any of these quarterbacks mentioned in this slideshow for the draft could raise or decrease their stock. Keep in mind that both Jared Goff (California) and Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) will be gone by the time the Jets make their selection in the draft unless they trade up.

The quarterbacks listed here all have chances to move up or down in the next couple months, but in my opinion, these are the best seven options for the Jets should they want to add another quarterback into the mix.

Next: 7. A gunslinger from Memphis

Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

7. Paxton Lynch (Memphis)

He completed 67 percent of his passes for 3,778 yards with 28 touchdowns and three interceptions. He has a good skill set, but is raw and needs development. He has the athleticism to make plays with his feet and or throws on the run. Lynch has an arm that can make all the throws for the pro game. More than likely gone, but a good possibility he could also be there for the Jets.

Next: 6. A quarterback that needs to be developed

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) in action against Alabama Crimson Tide in the second half of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

6. Connor Cook (Michigan State)

Cook has good height, weight and delivery. His negatives include inaccuracy and scouts have put into question his lack of leadership, directly involved with the team not naming him captain. He connected on 56 percent passes for 3,131 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Cook could be a consideration in the first to third round as he is dropping fast.

Next: 5. A dual threat option under center

Dec 30, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) throws a pass during the first quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the 2015 Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

5. Dak Prescott (Mississippi State)

Prescott completed 66 percent of his passes in 2015 for 3,793 yards with 29 touchdowns and five interceptions. On the ground, he totaled 588 yards with ten touchdowns. Prescott needs to become a better pocket passer however. After the Senior Bowl, numerous teams came away impressed with his football I.Q. and leadership skills.

Next: 4. A backup with potential in the future

Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad quarterback Kevin Hogan of Stanford (8) runs while defended by South squad inside linebacker Kentrell Brothers of Missouri (10) in the second quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

4. Kevin Hogan (Stanford)

Hogan completed 68 percent of his passes for 2,867 yards with 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He has had his share of mixed games, and at this point it seems he would be more suited as a backup. He will need to show a consistent amount of accuracy to improve his draft stock in the combine. Hogan won’t be considered until at least the end of the third round, a good position for the Jets to take a chance on him.

Next: 3. A raw prospect that could be developed nicely

Oct 24, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones (12) prior to the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

3. Cardale Jones (Ohio State)

Jones displayed his big arm and great skill set, but must get better at reading the field and with his passing technique. Jones completed 63 percent of his passes in 2015 for 1,460 yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions.

He displayed his running ability and how difficult he is to sack with his enormous size. Jones is very physically gifted, but he’s raw and needs to gain experience. He could be available anywhere between the second and fourth round in the draft, possibly later.

Next: 2. A small school talent

Dec 21, 2015; Miami, FL, USA;Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback Brandon Doughty (12) throws a pass against the South Florida Bulls during the first half in the 2015 Miami Beach Bowl at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

2. Brandon Doughty (Western Kentucky)

Daughtery completed 72 percent of his passes for 5,055 yards with 48 touchdowns and nine interceptions. When looking just at his numbers, he should be the first pick in the draft.

Unfortunately, his stats mostly came from the small school talents of Conference-USA. The Senior Bowl didn’t help his stock, as he played like a player from the Conference USA. At this time, this could be a late-round flyer for the Jets.

Next: 1. A mid-round steal

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) attempts to pass the ball against the Michigan State Spartans during the 2nd half game of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

1. Christian Hackenberg (Penn State)

Hackenberg completed 54 percent of his passes for 2,525 yards and 16 touchdowns with six interceptions. He needs to improve his accuracy and decision-making, but the junior was playing in a dangerous situation with a weak offensive line and receivers.

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Hackenberg routinely made some beautiful throws that are dropped by his receivers, but also missed too often on routine completions. He can help himself in the combine, but right now I see anywhere between a second and fourth rounder. The Jets could pick him up and develop him alongside Petty to have more options in the future under center.

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