NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

April 30, 2016

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Table of Contents

ASSOCIATED PRESS ................................................................................................................................................ 2

Jets take Hackenberg in second round, Jenkins in third (Dennis Waszak) ................................................................ 2

Jets head into draft's third day looking to fill more needs (Dennis Waszak) ............................................................ 3

NEWSDAY .............................................................................................................................................................. 4

NFL Draft: Georgia linebacker Jordan Jenkins impressed Jets’ Todd Bowles (Kimberley Martin) ............................ 4

NFL Draft: Christian Hackenberg selected by Jets with No. 51 pick (Kimberley Martin)........................................... 5

Jets’ Darron Lee: Size me up as worthy of top pick (Kimberley Martin) ................................................................... 6

THE RECORD .......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Jets take Penn St.'s Hackenberg in second round (J.P. Pelzman) .............................................................................. 7

NFL Draft: Jets bios (J.P. Pelzman) ............................................................................................................................. 8

NEW YORK TIMES .................................................................................................................................................. 9

Being Center of Attention Is Old News for Darron Lee, the Jets’ Speedy First-Round Linebacker (Ben Shpigel) ..... 9

ESPN NEW YORK .................................................................................................................................................. 10

Jets continue to rebuilding linebacking corps with Jordan Jenkins (Rich Cimini) .................................................... 10

Jets GM: Christian Hackenberg pick not indictment on team's other QBs (Rich Cimini) ........................................ 11

Jets take Christian Hackenberg, adding intrigue to QB situation (Rich Cimini) ....................................................... 13

Jets pick Darron Lee likes tie-dyed socks and the big stage (Rich Cimini) ............................................................... 14

2016 New York Jets draft picks: Analysis for every selection (Rich Cimini) ............................................................. 15

Jets draft QB Christian Hackenberg -- a panic move that changes everything (Rich Cimini) .................................. 16

NEW YORK POST .................................................................................................................................................. 18

Darron Lee has Bowles-approved speed — and tackling concerns (Brian Costello) ............................................... 18

Maccagnan’s 1st big Jets risk is damning of Bryce Petty (Mark Cannizzaro) .......................................................... 19

Jets pull stunner with polarizing QB Christian Hackenberg (Brian Costello) ........................................................... 20

NJ ADVANCE MEDIA ............................................................................................................................................ 21

Christian Hackenberg to Jets: Mike Maccagnan addresses Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith impact (Darryl Slater) .. 21

Surprise! Jets draft quarterback Christian Hackenberg in 2nd round (Dom Cosentino) ......................................... 23

Jordan Jenkins: Scouting report on Jets' 3rd-round pick (Dom Cosentino) ............................................................ 24

Christian Hackenberg: Scouting report on Jets' 2nd-round pick (Darryl Slater) ...................................................... 24

NFL Draft 2016: Jets pick OLB Jordan Jenkins in 3rd round (Darryl Slater) ............................................................. 26

What does Jets drafting Christian Hackenberg mean for Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith? (Darryl Slater) ............... 26

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................... 27

Daily Clips Cont.

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Jets take Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg with second round pick as Ryan Fitzpatrick remains unsigned (Manish Mehta) ....................................................................................................................................................... 27

New Jets LB Darron Lee says ‘the sky is the limit’ and hypes his play-making ability (Manish Mehta) .................. 29

WALL STREET JOURNAL ....................................................................................................................................... 30

Jets Unveil Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan, Stress Harmony (Alex Raskin) ...................................................... 30

USA TODAY SPORTS MEDIA GROUP ..................................................................................................................... 30

Jets GM leaves door open for Hackenberg to start in 2016 (Connor Hughes) ........................................................ 30

Instant Analysis: New York Jets select Georgia LB Jordan Jenkins (Connor Hughes) .............................................. 31

Jets select Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg in second round of NFL Draft (Connor Hughes) .......................... 32

FRIDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS ....................................................................................................................... 33

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jets take Hackenberg in second round, Jenkins in third (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press April 30, 2016

http://www.pro32.ap.org/article/jets-take-hackenberg-second-round-jenkins-third

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets have a new quarterback on their roster — whether or not Ryan Fitzpatrick returns.

With Fitzpatrick still unsigned and in a contract stalemate, the Jets selected Penn State star Christian Hackenberg with their second-round pick in the NFL draft Friday night.

The 6-foot-4, 223-pound Hackenberg 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.

"We think he's got a lot of potential and upside," general manager Mike Maccagnan said.

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.

The selection of Hackenberg was a bit curious because it muddies the Jets' quarterback picture a bit since New York also has Geno Smith, the former starter who was a second-rounder in 2013, and Bryce Petty, a fourth-rounder last year, at quarterback.

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. He reiterated that after the selection of Hackenberg.

"At that point in time, Christian was the best player we had rated," Maccagnan said.

It's possible New York could still re-sign Fitzpatrick — something that Maccagnan said remains one of the Jets' "goals" — 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.

"Without Fitz being on the team right now, Geno's first-team, and then we go from there," coach Todd Bowles said.

Maccagnan also didn't rule out Hackenberg competing for the starting job this summer.

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"We'll see where he's at," the GM said.

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.

Maccagnan, Bowles and offensive coordinator Chan Gailey were among a contingent of Jets representatives who held a private workout with Hackenberg at Penn State a few weeks ago.

"There are just a lot of qualities we thought are in him that could develop into a good quarterback potentially in the NFL," Maccagnan said.

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. "I had a great college experience, in my opinion, learned a lot of things, faced a lot of adversity and had success."

It appeared that perhaps Hackenberg 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. Bowles anticipates Jenkins being both an edge setter and a pass rusher.

"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.

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Jets head into draft's third day looking to fill more needs (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press April 30, 2016

http://www.pro32.ap.org/article/jets-head-drafts-third-day-looking-fill-more-needs

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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets head into the third day of the NFL draft with three more picks and plenty of needs to fill.

After going with Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee as the team's first-round selection with the 20th overall pick Thursday night, the Jets surprised some by drafting Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg in the second round Friday night.

It appeared New York might try to add a pass rusher at that spot, which they did in the third round with Georgia's Jordan Jenkins. But with Ryan Fitzpatrick still a free agent and in a contract stalemate, the Jets took Hackenberg, who set the school marks for career passing yards, completions and touchdowns.

On Day 3, New York is likely to look to add depth on the offensive line, at cornerback and perhaps at tight end.

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NEWSDAY

NFL Draft: Georgia linebacker Jordan Jenkins impressed Jets’ Todd Bowles (Kimberley Martin) Newsday April 30, 2016

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/nfl-draft-georgia-linebacker-jordan-jenkins-impressed-jets-todd-bowles-1.11746459

Todd Bowles told Jordan Jenkins he’d see him again. And the Jets coach made good on that promise.

On Friday night, the Jets selected the Georgia outside linebacker 83rd overall in the third round of the NFL Draft.

Bowles personally flew down to the campus to work out Jenkins and, clearly, the former Bulldog impressed his future NFL coach.

“I was overjoyed,” Jenkins said on a conference call. “My sister’s got videos. I’m ecstatic. I’m excited. I didn’t know who was going to pick me. I remember Coach Bowles saying after the workout that, ‘I’d be seeing you real soon,’ and I was like, ‘Hopefully so.’ I’m speechless.”

Though he’s not an imposing pass rusher, Jenkins (6-3, 259) is a physical athlete who can set the edge well. He had 19 sacks in his college career, plus 40 tackles for a loss, six forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.

Bowles expects him to be versatile.

“He’s an outside linebacker. He’s going to have to do both,” the coach said when asked if he views Jenkins strictly as an edge guy or pass rusher. “ . . . He can play Sam (strong side) or Will (weak side), which he played in college.”

The third-rounder admitted that he was hampered last season by a torn groin and abdominal wall. “I feel like it took away a lot,” Jenkins said. “ . . . It was bothering me early on in the season and I was eager to get back out there and didn’t really give it as much time to recover as it needed. But I feel like I still adapted to that and played efficiently throughout the rest of the season.”

The Jets’ linebacking corps has gotten a major facelift this offseason. After the free-agent departure of Demario Davis (Browns) and veteran Calvin Pace, 35, still being unsigned, the Jets re-signed Erin Henderson to take Davis’ spot and infused the unit with youth and speed by taking Darron Lee and Jenkins.

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Daily Clips Cont.

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NFL Draft: Christian Hackenberg selected by Jets with No. 51 pick (Kimberley Martin) Newsday April 29, 2016

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/nfl-draft-christian-hackenberg-selected-by-jets-with-no-51-pick-1.11746030

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — While prospects were being plucked off the draft board, Christian Hackenberg was secluded far from the green room and frenetic energy of Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre.

The former Penn State quarterback was in the backyard of his Virginia home playing, of all things, “Cornhole.” And it was a phone call from the Jets on Day 2 of the NFL Draft that interrupted his bean bag-tossing game.

With the 51st overall pick, general manager Mike Maccagnan perhaps found his quarterback of the future.

“He’s got a lot of physical ability,” Maccagnan said Friday night, adding that Hackenberg has “prototypical” size. “ . . . We think he has a lot of potential . . . from a mental and aptitude standpoint, there’s a lot to work with there.”

Last week, Maccagnan insisted that the contract logjam with Ryan Fitzpatrick’s camp wouldn’t stop them from selecting a quarterback during the three-day draft. And in Round 2, he walked away with one.

Since 2000, the Jets have drafted 11 quarterbacks — the most of any NFL team.

Hackenberg joins backups Geno Smith (a second-round pick in 2013) and Bryce Petty (a fourth-rounder last year) in the Jets’ quarterback room. And that doesn’t even include Ryan Fitzpatrick, the free agent whom the Jets are still eager to re-sign as their 2016 starter.

The team’s goal is “to get Ryan back in the fold,” Maccagnan said. But coach Todd Bowles added that Smith is slated to get first-team reps to begin organized team activities in May.

Hours after introducing their first-round pick, former Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee, in a news conference, the Jets turned their focus to Rounds 2 and 3, where they selected Hackenberg and Georgia outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins, respectively.

And just like that, the quarterback carousel at 1 Jets Drive got even more crowded. And they still don’t have a starter.

“I’m just extremely grateful for the opportunity,” Hackenberg said during a conference call. “A lot of hours have gone into this and it’s just the beginning.”

Before the pick was announced on TV, Maccagnan told Hackenberg over the phone that the organization was determined to “help you achieve your potential.”

“We’re really excited about adding you to this organization,” Maccagnan said, courtesy of a video posted on the Jets’ official Instagram page. “And we think you have a bright future and we’re going to invest some time in you.”

But Maccagnan was far more subdued and evasive when speaking to the media. “It’s a competitive position and we’ll see how it develops,” he said of their quarterback quagmire.

Hackenberg (6-4, 223) comes into the NFL with several question marks — particularly, his accuracy. During his freshman season, he completed 59 percent of his passes and threw for 2,955 yards and 20 touchdowns with 10 interceptions for then-coach Bill O’Brien. But when O’Brien left Penn State to become the coach of the Houston Texans, James Franklin took over the Nittany Lions’ program. And Hackenberg’s production dipped dramatically.

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He was a freshman All-American, but the following year he threw for 2,977 yards and 12 TDs with 15 interceptions. He threw for 2,525 yards with 16 TDs and six interceptions in his junior season.

But Maccagnan shrugged off his accuracy issues. “There’s a lot of good throws on tape too,” he said, adding that the Jets held a private workout with Hackenberg at Penn State. Bowles, offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, quarterbacks coach Kevin Patullo and several scouts were also in attendance.

Hackenberg was so engrossed in his game of “Cornhole” that he was completely unaware that O’Brien and the Texans had traded with the Atlanta Falcons to move up to No. 50 — just one spot ahead of the Jets. (Houston, however, opted for Notre Dame center Nick Martin.)

Hackenberg said his mother was the one who handed him the phone when the Jets called.

“I had a great visit,” he said. “ . . . I’m really excited to learn, really excited to get in there with the guys and get a feel for the team and start earning their respect.”

Still looking for Mr. Right

Jets have drafted a QB in each of the last four years and six of last eight:

Year Player, School Round

2016 Christian Hackenberg, PSU 2

2015 Bryce Petty, Baylor 4

2014 Tajh Boyd, Clemson 6

2013 Geno Smith, W.Va. 2

2011 Greg McElroy, Alabama 7

2009 Mark Sanchez, USC 1

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Jets’ Darron Lee: Size me up as worthy of top pick (Kimberley Martin) Newsday April 29, 2016

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/jets-darron-lee-size-me-up-as-worthy-of-top-pick-1.11745810

Darron Lee isn’t short on confidence, nor is he bothered by the criticisms of his size and ability.

Asked which draft-analyst knock was most inaccurate heading into Round 1 Thursday night, the former Ohio State Buckeye said: “[That I] can’t play in the box, can’t play downhill.

“All I have to say to that is, click on the Wisconsin tape,” the Jets’ first-round pick said, referring to the Buckeyes’ blowout of the Badgers in the 2014 Big Ten title game. “That’s all I have to say. We won, 59-0. [It showed] that I can take on bigger guys and take on a fullback.”

Lee, taken 20th overall by the Jets on Thursday night, was poised and polished Friday during his introductory news conference with the New York media. Fresh off his flight from Chicago, the site of the NFL Draft, the Jets’ newest inside linebacker wasn’t the least bit flustered by the cameras. That’s because his mother, Denise — a weekend news anchor in Columbus, Ohio — taught him well from an early age. Lee said his mother, who stood at the back of the room as he spoke, stressed to him that “having pride in your work is nothing to be ashamed of.”

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And he soon expects Jets fans to get a taste of his work ethic.

“I’m going to make some play that’s going to alter the game, that’s going to help us win the game,” Lee said. “I’m very good at that and I can do it consistently. But also passion and energy.

“You’ll see that, but I want you to feel it, you know what I mean? Feel my passion and energy because I genuinely care about this game.”

After playing primarily “in the slot a lot” last season, Lee acknowledged he’ll have to get acclimated to playing in a 3-4 defense. But he isn’t worried.

“I know he has a lot of different looks and he’s an aggressive coach,” Lee said of Todd Bowles. “So I think the versatility will definitely help, for sure. The fact that I’ll be able to cover, come up and play the run and also pass rush.”

Lee said he was scheduled to sit down with Bowles after his news conference to discuss his role in more detail, but he added that he got an idea of how the coaches plan to use him during his predraft visit. “They love my speed, that I would help the defense be a lot faster,” he said. “Coach Bowles wanted a lot more speed on the defensive side of the ball and he said, ‘You have that.’ ”

Listed at 232 pounds during the NFL Combine, Lee said he’s now 237 and ideally would like to stay in the “235-240 range.”

Though so much has been made about his physical size, Lee stressed that the size of his heart and his passion for football have served him well to this point. He has no reason to think he won’t be an impact player for the Jets.

“I know I’m coming into a very hungry defense,” he said. “A defense that wants to put teams away.”

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THE RECORD

Jets take Penn St.'s Hackenberg in second round (J.P. Pelzman) The Record April 29, 2016

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/jets-take-penn-st-s-hackenberg-in-second-round-1.1555830

FLORHAM PARK — The Jets’ already uncertain quarterback situation got more interesting — and more uncertain — Friday night when they selected Penn State signal caller Christian Hackenberg in the second round with the 51st overall pick.

The 6-foot-4 Hackenberg has a strong arm and very good measurables, but plummeted down draft boards after a lackluster 2015 season that ended with him suffering a shoulder injury in the Nittany Lions’ loss to Georgia in the Taxslayer Bowl on Jan. 2.

Hackenberg, considered one of the best QB prospects in the country when he came to Penn State as a true freshman in 2013, threw 48 touchdown passes and 31 interceptions in his three seasons with the Nittany Lions. He had 20 TD passes and 10 picks as a freshman under current Texans coach Bill O’Brien, but slipped to 12 TD passes and 15 interceptions as a sophomore under new coach James Franklin, who ran an offense different from the pro-style Hackenberg used as a freshman under O’Brien.

He had 16 TD passes and only six picks last season, but struggled down the stretch, with three touchdown passes and four interceptions in the last four games, all Penn State losses. Accuracy has been a major problem. He completed only 53.5 percent of his passes in 2015.

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However, general manager Mike Maccagnan refused to label him as a developmental quarterback, the way he did fourth-round pick Bryce Petty a year ago.

“From a mental and aptitude standpoint, we think there’s a lot of ability to work with,” Maccagnan said of Hackenberg.

Maccagnan attended Hackenberg’s Pro Day at Penn State and the Jets also had a private workout with him at Penn State later during the pre-draft process.

Hackenberg, who declared for the NFL Draft after his junior season, is considered a developmental QB by most experts.

The Jets’ other signal caller is fourth-year pro Geno Smith, who started for the team in 2013 and 2014. Free agent Ryan Fitzpatrick, who threw 31 TD passes last season, remains unsigned.

If Fitzpatrick comes back to the fold, that would give the team four quarterbacks, meaning one of them almost certainly would be cut before the regular season.

Drafting Hackenberg “doesn’t change anything as far as our approach to Ryan,” Maccagnan said, adding the team still would like to re-sign Fitzpatrick. If he does come back, he still would be the starter going into training camp. Hackenberg’s effectiveness tailed off after Franklin replaced O’Brien after the 2013 season. He also was impacted negatively by a leaky offensive line the past two years. The Jets obviously believe he can recapture his freshman form and eventually fulfill his potential.

Hackenberg said he was “excited” and “grateful” for the opportunity on a conference call, but deflected questions about why his play declined and what he must improve upon to succeed as a pro.

“I’m confident enough that I’ll be able to adjust” to the NFL, Hackenberg said.

The Jets also drafted Georgia OLB Jordan Jenkins in the third round. He likely will compete for a starting spot as a rookie.

LEE READY TO GO: Linebacker Darron Lee, whom the Jets selected Thursday with the 20th overall pick, doesn’t lack for confidence.

When asked Friday to discuss his strengths, Lee said, “I’m going to make some play that’s going to alter the game, help us win the game. I’m very good at that, and can do it consistently.”Rutgers coach Chris Ash, who coached Lee the past two seasons as the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator, said Friday he believes Lee has the highest ceiling of any of the five Buckeyes that were selected in the first round, noting that he still is learning his position.

“I really think he’s going to be a star,” Ash said in a phone interview with The Record.

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NFL Draft: Jets bios (J.P. Pelzman) The Record April 30, 2016

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/jets-take-penn-st-s-hackenberg-in-second-round-1.1555830

Christian Hackenberg

Position: QB

College: Penn State

Height/weight: 6 feet 4/228 pounds

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How he’ll fit in: Hackenberg projects as a developmental QB, which would give the Jets two of those on their roster, provided they retain 2015 fourth-round pick Bryce Petty. The strong-armed passer must do a better job of recognizing where pass rushers are coming from and also must improve his accuracy. He also must rebuild his confidence after two straight lackluster seasons.

Jordan Jenkins

Position: OLB

College: Georgia

Height/weight: 6 feet 3/257 pounds

How he’ll fit in: Jenkins, who had 19 sacks in four seasons at Georgia, will compete to fill the starting spot vacated by veteran Calvin Pace, whom the Jets chose not to re-sign. He can play both in coverage and as an edge rusher. Was slowed somewhat by a groin injury during his senior season with the Bulldogs.

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NEW YORK TIMES

Being Center of Attention Is Old News for Darron Lee, the Jets’ Speedy First-Round Linebacker (Ben Shpigel) New York Times April 29, 2016

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/30/sports/football/being-center-of-attention-is-old-news-for-darron-lee-the-jets-speedy-first-round-linebacker.html?ref=football&_r=0

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — When Darron Lee, the Jets’ No. 1 pick, showed up in a purplish suit for his first news conference on Friday, his mother, Candice, wearing glasses and with her hair pulled back after a sleepless night, quietly took a spot in the back of the room, behind the cameras.

That was a bit of a change for Candice Lee, who is a weekend anchor for WCMH-TV, the NBC affiliate in Columbus, Ohio — not far from the Ohio State campus, where her son became a top linebacker.

“He’s used to it,” Candice Lee said of her son being on television, “but, for this process, I took a step back, because I wanted to enjoy it.

“It’s hard to enjoy something when you’re working.”

When Darron Lee decided to leave Ohio State after two full seasons to prepare for the N.F.L. Combine in February by attending a training center in Phoenix, his mother tagged along, filing a series of reports for her station about what he was doing to get ready.

She said she would not be doing any reports this weekend from New Jersey, but she did say that she was thinking about leaving the station to be closer to her son. Darron Lee would really like his mother not to work at all, because he thinks she has earned a break.

“Just seeing the approach to how she works — her work ethic is unbelievable,” he said Friday. “You don’t see work ethics like that. She’s very respected in the newsroom. You can see the work she produces. She’s always trying to do a great job.

“She taught me all those things growing up — to be accountable, to have pride in your work. Having pride in your work is nothing to be ashamed of.”

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Her son has come a long way since showing up at Ohio State three years ago. He was a quarterback and defensive back at New Albany High School, about 20 miles northeast of Columbus. He was 197 pounds when he got to Ohio State. He said he now weighs 237.

But his mother told him to ask questions when he did not know the answers. She told him to listen closely, to study the intricacies of linebacker, a position he had not played since before he had arrived in Columbus.

“I said, ‘If you do that, and if you stay focused and you stay out of trouble, you’ll have success at anything you do in your life,’ ” Candice Lee said.

She smiled when she added: “He has always had a little swagger. Some of that is me saying: ‘Be proud of who you are. You’re a good kid.’ ”

After a redshirt season, Lee compiled impressive statistics at Ohio State — 147 tackles, 12 sacks and three interceptions — and the Buckeyes won the national championship in his first season as a starter.

He was used more in pass coverage last season than as a run-stuffer, and he will have to make another transition with the Jets, moving from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4. But the Jets told him they had drafted him primarily for his speed, and he is eager to contribute.

“It’s been one heck of a ride,” he said. “I came a long way, but personally I feel I’m just getting started. I personally feel that I’m only going to keep getting better. I’m raw at the position, but I’m a very, very fast learner. That’s why I got on the field pretty quickly at Ohio State. So I feel that the sky is the limit for me.”

One of his Ohio State teammates, the wide receiver Devin Smith, was drafted by the Jets in the second round last year, and another teammate, the cornerback Eli Apple, was drafted 10th over all by the Giants.

He laughed when he said he and Apple had joked about not touching each other’s belongings in the locker room — the Giants and the Jets have different locker rooms, anyway — and Candice Lee said she might ask Apple’s mother to check up on both of them if she cannot.

But Candice Lee is confident that her son is on his way — and so is he. Even after eating 5,000 calories a day in Arizona, he is still generally considered to be too light to play inside in the N.F.L.

“All I’ve got to say to that is: Click on the Wisconsin tape,” Lee said, smiling. “That’s all I can say to that.”

Lee was talking about the 2014 Big Ten championship game, which the Buckeyes won, 59-0. He believes he showed “that I can take on bigger guys, and take on fullbacks, and play at the point of attack, and that I’m not afraid of contact. I think that’s a common misconception of me.”

After the news conference was over and Lee, holding a green jersey with No. 1, had posed for a few photos in front of the marquee at the Jets’ training complex, he was hustled to meetings with team executives and coaches.

Candice Lee the mother, not the news anchor, said: “I said to him, ‘Don’t let anybody tell you differently — you’re a confident person. If someone says you’re arrogant, that’s their problem, not your problem.’ ”

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ESPN NEW YORK

Jets continue to rebuilding linebacking corps with Jordan Jenkins (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York April 30, 2016

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http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/60101/jets-continue-to-rebuilding-linebacking-corps-with-jordan-jenkins

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- For the second year in a row, the New York Jets picked an outside linebacker in the third round. This time, it's Jordan Jenkins, Leonard Floyd's sidekick at Georgia. With Jenkins and Lorenzo Mauldin, last year's pick, the Jets have started a pipeline for 3-4 outside linebackers.

My take: This is a solid pick. Jenkins addresses a need because outside linebacker was the thinnest position on the roster and he's a good value in the third round (83 overall). It would've been a dire situation if they had emerged from the draft without an edge player for their front seven. Todd Bowles has two new linebackers for his defense -- Jenkins and first-round pick Darron Lee. In the last two years, general manager Mike Maccagnan has invested three premium picks to overhaul a position that was old and slow. Bowles took a recent trip to Georgia for a personal workout with Jenkins and Floyd.

Don't expect a sack machine: Jenkins (6-foot-3, 259 pounds) wasn't a prolific pass rusher at Georgia. In four seasons, he produced 19 sacks, 40 tackles-for-loss and six forced fumbles. He's not an explosive player, but rather a stout, edge-setting run defender who can handle the tight end at the point of attack. He has long arms (34 inches), a major plus, but he won't blow past too many people with 4.8 speed in the 40. He's a younger version of Calvin Pace, and there's nothing wrong with that. Every defense needs a blue-collar player. Jenkins was consistent, as he averaged at least eight tackles-for-loss and four sacks in each of his four seasons. The concern is his pass coverage. He wasn't asked to do much at Georgia -- only 26 of 246 passing snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. He committed only one penalty over his final two seasons, per PFF.

The linebacker shuffle: You may not recognize the Jets' linebacking corps in 2016. Pace and Demario Davis are gone, and there could be three new starters. David Harris returns in the middle, Erin Henderson replaces Davis inside and Mauldin ascends to a starting position on the outside. Jenkins will compete for the fourth spot against a cast of marginal veterans. The speed on the outside is improved, no doubt, but there will be a learning curve with so many young players. Harris' experience and leadership will be vital in this rebuilding phase.

What’s next: The Jets have only three picks on the final day -- fourth round and two in the seventh. Their fifth-round pick was traded for left tackle Ryan Clady. Look for an offense-heavy day; they need to address the offensive line, tight end and maybe wide receiver.

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Jets GM: Christian Hackenberg pick not indictment on team's other QBs (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York April 30, 2016

http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2016/story/_/id/15430445/christian-hackenberg-penn-state-taken-new-york-jets-51st-pick-nfl-draft

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets drafted a quarterback for the fourth consecutive year when they picked Penn State's Christian Hackenberg with their second-round choice Friday.

The move complicates an already uncertain quarterback situation. Right now, the Jets have no starters and three backups: Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and Hackenberg.

General manager Mike Maccagnan said he still hopes to re-sign starter Ryan Fitzpatrick, yet the last time they had meaningful discussions was "weeks ago," a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

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"If we get Ryan back, he's our starter going in, but they're more than welcome to take the position from him," coach Todd Bowles said. "Obviously, Ryan earned it from last year, and it's going to be hard to take it from him. Everybody else falls in, and let the competition work itself out."

For now, Smith will go into offseason practices in a few weeks as the No. 1 quarterback, Bowles said. But Smith is entering the final year of his contract, so his future with the team is in doubt.

The Jets declined to write 2016 off as a learning year for Hackenberg, a stark contrast to their approach last year, after drafting Petty in the fourth round. Clearly, they believe Hackenberg is further along than Petty was as a rookie.

"We'll see how he progresses," Maccagnan said.

The Jets aren't likely to go into the season with four quarterbacks on the roster. Maccagnan insisted the decision to pick Hackenberg wasn't an indictment of the other quarterbacks; the Jets simply picked the best player available.

"Obviously, he has a lot of physical ability in terms of arm strength, athletic ability and size," Maccagnan said. "He's a prototype from that standpoint. ... We think he has a lot of potential."

The Jets traveled to the Penn State campus recently for a private workout. Maccagnan, Bowles and offensive coordinator Chan Gailey were among those in attendance. They also hosted Hackenberg for a pre-draft visit at their facility.

Hackenberg said the coaches didn't share their immediate plans for him, but he said he had "a great visit" with the team.

"A lot of great coaches up there, a lot of awesome football knowledge," he said. "I'm really excited to learn, really excited to get in there with the guys and get a feel for the team and start earning their respect."

The Jets had Hackenberg rated higher than Paxton Lynch, whom they passed on in the first round. Lynch was drafted by the Denver Broncos with pick No. 26.

Hackenberg said he wasn't watching the draft on TV. He was playing cornhole in his family's backyard in Virginia when the Jets made the pick.

"My mom came running out with the phone," he said. "I really didn't know what was going on. I'm really, really fortunate, man. Really grateful."

For a minute, it looked as if Hackenberg would be reunited with his former college coach, Bill O'Brien. The Houston Texans traded up to the 50th pick, one spot ahead of the Jets, but they chose Notre Dame center Nick Martin.

Hackenberg, who is 6-foot-4, 223 pounds, had an uneven career at Penn State. He impressed as a true freshman, but his production declined over his final two seasons under a new coaching staff. He threw for only 2,525 yards last season, with 16 touchdown and six interceptions.

Hackenberg declined to comment on the ups and downs of his college career but acknowledged that he "faced a lot of adversity."

"Just extremely grateful for the opportunity," Hackenberg said. "A lot of hours went into this. This is just the beginning. I'm really looking forward to taking the next step and getting in there and getting acclimated to everything going on with the team."

Hackenberg is the first Penn State quarterback to be drafted in any round since 1997, when Wally Richardson was taken by the Baltimore Ravens in the seventh round.

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Jets take Christian Hackenberg, adding intrigue to QB situation (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York April 29, 2016

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/48767/seven-thoughts-on-day-1-of-the-macbowles-era

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets drafted a quarterback for the fourth consecutive year, picking Penn State's Christian Hackenberg with their second-round choice Friday night. The move complicates an already uncertain quarterback situation.

Hackenberg joins Geno Smith and Bryce Petty on the roster, but the Jets also are hoping to re-sign free-agent starter Ryan Fitzpatrick. They won't keep four quarterbacks, so the pick raises questions about the future of Smith, Petty and Fitzpatrick.

The Jets and Fitzpatrick are locked in a contract impasse, and the last time they had meaningful discussions was "weeks ago," a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Smith, who started for the Jets in 2013 and '14, is entering the final year of his contract. Petty, a fourth-round pick last year, didn't play in the regular season.

Hackenberg said the coaches didn't share their immediate plans for him. He said he had "a great visit" to the team facility a couple of weeks ago.

"A lot of great coaches up there, a lot of awesome football knowledge," he said. "I'm really excited to learn, really excited to get in there with the guys and get a feel for the team and start earning their respect."

The Jets' interest in Hackenberg leaked in recent days. General manager Mike Maccagnan attended his pro day, and the team invited him to One Jets Drive for a predraft visit.

They had Hackenberg rated higher than Paxton Lynch, whom they passed on in the first round. Lynch was drafted by the Denver Broncos at pick No. 26.

Hackenberg said he wasn't watching the draft on TV. He was playing cornhole in his family's backyard in Virginia when the Jets made the pick.

"My mom came running out with the phone," he said. "I really didn't know what was going on. I'm really, really fortunate, man. Really grateful."

For a minute, it looked as if Hackenberg would be reunited with his former college coach, Bill O'Brien. The Houston Texans traded up to the 50th pick, one spot ahead of the Jets, but they chose Notre Dame center Nick Martin.

The 6-foot-4, 223-pound Hackenberg had an uneven career at Penn State. He impressed as a true freshman, but his production declined over his final two seasons under a new coaching staff. He threw for only 2,525 yards last season, with 16 touchdown and six interceptions.

Hackenberg declined to comment on the ups and downs of his college career, acknowledging he "faced a lot of adversity."

"Just extremely grateful for the opportunity," Hackenberg said. "A lot of hours went into this. This is just the beginning. I'm really looking forward to taking the next step and getting in there and getting acclimated to everything going on with the team."

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Hackenberg is the first Penn State quarterback to be drafted in any round since 1997, when Wally Richardson was taken by the Baltimore Ravens in the seventh round.

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Jets pick Darron Lee likes tie-dyed socks and the big stage (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York April 30, 2016

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/60077/jets-pick-darron-lee-likes-tie-dyed-socks-the-big-stage-and-quarterback

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Five things you need to know about former Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee, the New York Jets' first-round pick:

1. He played quarterback in high school: Lee grew up in an affluent suburb of Columbus, Ohio, a town called New Albany -- not known for producing a lot of football talent. He was the best athlete on the team, so he was used at quarterback, accumulating more than 1,700 yards in total offense. He loved it. Actually, he grew up playing the position, once saying, "Quarterback is like ... was literally like breathing to me. I always had a feel for it. I was always throwing the ball around." He played a little safety, too. When he graduated high school in 2013, he was listed by recruiting services as an "athlete."

2. Oh, those socks: Not heavily recruited, Lee attracted attention from Ohio State by showing up to one of their football camps -- not once, not twice, but three times, according to defensive coordinator Luke Fickell. You see, Lee wasn't an instant standout; he kind of grew on the Ohio State coaching staff. "He kept coming back again and again and again to compete," Fickell said Friday in a phone interview. It wasn't love at first sight for coach Urban Meyer, who recalled last year: "A New Albany quarterback wearing tie-dyed socks. That's not what I'm looking for." Fickell said he never saw the tie-dyed socks, adding with a laugh, "It might have been something Coach noticed. Darron is from New Albany, so it wouldn't be abnormal. He comes from a nice, well-off, cake-eating area." His mother, Candice Lee, is a reporter and weekend anchor for the NBC affiliate in Columbus. Previously, she spent seven years in the U.S. Navy as a Navy journalist. Once, when she heard Verne Lundquist mispronounce Darron's name during a telecast, she tweeted at him to "stop messing with my son's name."

3. Picking apart his game: Lee arrived on campus at only 197 pounds, so you can see why wasn't heavily recruited as a linebacker. Fickell saw something in Lee -- the competitiveness, the athleticism -- and converted him into a linebacker. After redshirting as a freshman, Lee started his final two seasons. He was productive (27.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks), but he didn't win over the analytics crowd. Pro Football Focus called him one of the most overrated prospects in the draft, criticizing his pass coverage and tackling. He was ranked 110th among linebackers in tackling efficiency (12 missed tackles in 2015), according to PFF, which said: "The scary part about Lee is that he almost never played as a true linebacker and thus lacked instincts when forced to play in the box. (In 2015), 492 of his 879 snaps came in the slot out wide of the tackles. Even when he was asked to make plays in space, he frequently took bad angles and overran plays."

4. Coach rebuttal: Fickell scoffed at the criticisms, saying, "For us, he wasn't inside the box a ton. If he came back [to school], he would've moved to 'Will' linebacker and would've made 200 tackles. For us, and what we needed him to do, he was great." Fickell highlighted Lee's sideline-to-sideline range, claiming, "There were no lateral runs against our defense. Why? Because of Darron Lee." Before Lee's arrival, the Buckeyes struggled against Clemson's Sammy Watkins, who gashed them on jet sweeps. Dynamic receivers weren't able to do that on Lee's watch, Fickell said.

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5. Loves the spotlight: Lee has a tendency to perform his best in big moments. In his first college game, he scored on a 61-yard fumble return against Navy. Near the end of his first year, he was named the MVP in the Sugar Bowl, helping the Buckeyes to an upset over No. 1 Alabama. At the scouting combine in February, Lee turned heads by blazing the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds. One of his star teammates, Joey Bosa, struggled with a 4.86. Fickell wasn't surprised. "He's a very confident guy," he said of Lee. "He wasn't going to tense up, whereas Joey maybe felt the pressure. When the light comes on, the bigger the stage, the bigger the game, the more Darron shines. He has charisma, the gift of gab, that smile. New York will love him. The sky's the limit."

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2016 New York Jets draft picks: Analysis for every selection (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York April 30, 2016

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/60088/2016-new-york-jets-draft-picks-analysis-for-every-selection

Rich Cimini breaks down the 2016 New York Jets draft class.

Round 1, Pick No. 20: Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State

My take: This was a mild surprise because, frankly, Lee doesn't seem like a great scheme fit. At 6-foot-1, 232 pounds, he's smallish for a 3-4 inside linebacker, but he can run like a safety, evidenced by his blazing 40 at the combine -- 4.47 seconds. Improving the speed on defense is one of the Jets' objectives; Lee definitely helps. They picked him over high-profile linebackers Myles Jack and Reggie Ragland, and quarterback Paxton Lynch. General manager Mike Maccagnan hinted that Jack's knee condition may have been a factor. As for Ragland, he's a two-down thumper, and the Jets clearly wanted a linebacker who can cover and play on third down. They wisely avoided Lynch, a major project.

Under construction: Lee will play the "Mo" position in the Jets' linebacking corps -- the weak-inside slot, manned last season by Demario Davis. For now, Lee will back up Erin Henderson in the base defense. Lee will play immediately in the nickel, according to coach Todd Bowles, who said, "He's going to grow into a three-down role as he goes forward." The Jets picked Lee because of his sideline-to-sideline range, pass-coverage ability and versatility. Their once-formidable linebacking corps became old and slow; this selection marks the continuation of a major overhaul. It started last year with the drafting of outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin.

Round 2, Pick No. 51: Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State

My take: The Jets have three backup quarterbacks and no starter: Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and Hackenberg, with Ryan Fitzpatrick still floating in free-agent limbo. This was an unnecessary pick by the Jets, who could've filled another need at 51. Hackenberg will probably ride the bench as a rookie, so this means no production from their second-round selection. It's a curious choice because Hackenberg is hardly a sure thing. Truth be told, he's one of the most polarizing prospects in the draft. Clearly, general manager Mike Maccagnan fell in love with Hackenberg, who looks the part (6-foot-4, 223 pounds) and possesses a big arm. Problem is, he's not accurate and he didn't play well enough in college to justify a high selection. Just add him to the Jets' list of quarterback projects.

Will the real Hackenberg please stand up? He was a mediocre quarterback over his final two collegiate seasons (28 touchdowns, 21 interceptions), but there wasn't much talent around him and he didn't fit the Nittany Lions' new spread system. Opposing coaches thought they could beat him mentally and that he

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lacked courage under fire. As a freshman, in Bill O'Brien's pro-style system, Hackenberg showed promise (20 touchdowns, 10 interceptions). Some talent evaluators projected him as a future top-10 pick. The Jets are hoping to get that Hackenberg, not the Hackenberg who appeared rattled at times over his sophomore and junior seasons. He took a beating (103 career sacks), raising questions about his pocket presence and whether he's skittish. Said one AFC personnel executive: "He has some special qualities, but you have to ask yourself, 'Can I get this guy back on track?'" Hackenberg was a mess at the scouting combine, causing some scouts to shake their heads as he threw wildly in drills. He fell short of the 60 percent mark each of his three seasons; completion percentage usually is an accurate barometer of future performance. The Jets are placing a lot of faith in offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, their quarterback whisperer.

Lots of homework: The Jets studied three years of tape, went to Penn State for a private workout and brought Hackenberg to One Jets Drive for a pre-draft visit. Conclusion: "There's a lot of upside and potential," Maccagnan said. "We vetted him thoroughly." In fact, Maccagnan, Gailey, Todd Bowles, quarterbacks coach Kevin Patullo and a couple of scouts attended the private workout. Aside from Hackenberg's physical talent, they were impressed by his smarts, work ethic and leadership. One opposing scout said Hackenberg "didn't see eye to eye" with Penn State coach James Franklin, which may have contributed to a tense environment. The Jets hope they can rehabilitate the quarterback, making it 2013 all over again.

Round 3, Pick No. 83: Jordan Jenkins, OLB, Georgia

My take: This is a solid pick. Jenkins addresses a need because outside linebacker was the thinnest position on the roster and he's a good value in the third round (83 overall). It would've been a dire situation if the Jets had emerged from the draft without an edge player for their front seven. Todd Bowles has two new linebackers for his defense -- Jenkins and first-round pick Darron Lee. In the past two seasons, general manager Mike Maccagnan has invested three premium picks to overhaul a position that was old and slow. Bowles took a recent trip to Georgia for a personal workout with Jenkins and Floyd.

Don't expect a sack machine: Jenkins (6-foot-3, 259 pounds) wasn't a prolific pass-rusher at Georgia. In four seasons, he produced 19 sacks, 40 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles. He's not an explosive player, but rather a stout, edge-setting run defender who can handle the tight end at the point of attack. He's a younger version of Calvin Pace, and there's nothing wrong with that. Every defense needs a blue-collar player. Jenkins was consistent; he averaged at least eight tackles for loss and four sacks in each of his four seasons. The concern is his pass coverage. He wasn't asked to do much at Georgia -- only play 26 of 246 passing snaps, according to Pro Football Focus research. He committed only one penalty over his final two seasons, per PFF data.

The linebacker shuffle: You may not recognize the Jets' linebacking corps in 2016. Pace and Demario Davis are gone, and there could be three new starters. David Harris returns in the middle, Erin Henderson replaces Davis inside and Mauldin ascends to a starting position on the outside. Jenkins will compete for the fourth spot against a cast of marginal veterans. The speed on the outside is improved, no doubt, but there will be a learning curve with so many young players. Harris' experience and leadership will be vital in this rebuilding phase.

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Jets draft QB Christian Hackenberg -- a panic move that changes everything (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York April 30, 2016

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http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/60087/jets-draft-qb-christian-hackenberg-a-panic-move-that-changes-everything

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Another draft, another quarterback. Join the club, Christian Hackenberg. The New York Jets, continuing their endless search for a franchise quarterback, selected the former Penn State passer in the second round (51st overall) Friday night, turning their quarterback situation upside down -- again. They've picked a league-high 11 quarterbacks since 2000, including one in each of the past four drafts.

My take: The Jets have three backup quarterbacks and no starter: Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and Hackenberg, with Ryan Fitzpatrick still floating in free-agent limbo. This was an unnecessary pick by the Jets, who could've filled another need at 51. Hackenberg probably will ride the bench as a rookie, so this means no production from their second-round selection. It's a curious choice because Hackenberg is hardly a sure thing. Truth be told, he's one of the most polarizing prospects in the draft. Clearly, general manager Mike Maccagnan fell in love with Hackenberg, who looks the part (6-foot-4, 223 pounds) and possesses a big arm. Problem is, he's not accurate and he didn't play well enough in college to justify a high selection. Just add him to the Jets' list of quarterback projects.

Will the real Hackenberg please stand up? He was a mediocre quarterback over his final two seasons (28 touchdowns, 21 interceptions), but there wasn't much talent around him and he didn't fit the Nittany Lions' new spread system. Opposing coaches felt they could beat him mentally and that he lacked courage under fire. As a freshman, in Bill O'Brien's pro-style system, he showed promise (20 touchdowns, 10 interceptions). Some talent evaluators projected him as a future top-10 pick. The Jets are hoping to get that Hackenberg, not the Hackenberg who appeared rattled at times over his sophomore and junior seasons. He took a beating (103 career sacks), raising questions about his pocket presence and whether he's skittish. Said one AFC personnel executive: "He has some special qualities, but you have to ask yourself, 'Can I get this guy back on track?'" He was a mess at the scouting combine, causing some scouts to shake their heads as he threw wildly in drills. He fell short of the 60-percent mark each of his three seasons; completion percentage usually is an accurate barometer of future performance. The Jets are placing a lot of faith in offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, their quarterback whisperer.

Lots of homework: The Jets studied three years of tape, went to Penn State for a private workout and brought him to One Jets Drive for a pre-draft visit. Conclusion: "There's a lot of upside and potential," Maccagnan said. "We vetted him thoroughly." In fact, Maccagnan, Gailey, Todd Bowles, quarterbacks coach Kevin Patullo and a couple of scouts attended the private workout. Aside from his physical talent, they were impressed by his smarts, work ethic and leadership. One opposing scout said Hackenberg "didn't see eye to eye" with Penn State coach James Franklin, which may have contributed to a tense environment. The Jets hope they can rehabilitate him, making it 2013 all over again.

What’s next: Right now, their depth chart is a mess. The Jets say they still hope to sign Fitzpatrick, making him the starter -- the ultimate "bridge" quarterback. It's a squeeze play that won't make him happy. Obviously, they don't have much confidence in Smith and Petty. Smith, entering the final year of his contract, probably will be the odd man out. They won't make any rash decisions; there's no point in dumping a quarterback until they get Fitzpatrick back -- or a veteran of his ilk. Every regime wants its own quarterback. Yeah, Maccagnan drafted Petty last year, but it was a minor investment (fourth round). A second-round pick raises the ante. Some day, probably in 2017, the Jets will be Hackenberg's team.

What's next? The Jets have the 20th pick in the third round (83rd overall). They still have needs at outside linebacker, offensive line and tight end.

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NEW YORK POST

Darron Lee has Bowles-approved speed — and tackling concerns (Brian Costello) New York Post April 30, 2016

http://nypost.com/2016/04/30/darron-lee-has-bowles-approved-speed-and-tackling-concerns/

Darron Lee is just three years removed from graduating high school. He left New Albany High School in Ohio as a 197-pound quarterback/safety. Thursday night, he became the newest New York Jet when the team selected him with the 20th overall pick.

“It’s been one heck of a ride, for sure,” Lee said.

That ride included a national championship at Ohio State in 2014 and his transition from skinny quarterback to 237-pound linebacker for the Buckeyes. Now, the Jets are counting on Lee, who runs the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds, to give their defense an infusion of speed.

“I personally feel like I am only going to keep getting better,” Lee said Friday when he met the media at the Jets’ headquarters. “Most people like to say I’m raw at the position, but I’m a very, very fast learner. That’s why I got on the field pretty quickly at Ohio State. I feel like the sky’s the limit for me and I look forward to getting better.”

Lee, who is only 21, gives coach Todd Bowles a versatile weapon on his defense. When Bowles was at Arizona, he showed how much he loved using guys, such as Deone Bucannon and Tyrann Mathieu, who could play different roles. The Jets envision Lee playing in sub packages as a rookie and then developing into a three-down linebacker. Lee can cover running backs and blitz up the middle.

The main question with Lee is how his skill set will translate to the NFL. At Ohio State, he lined up in the slot on 45 percent of his snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. The Jets now want him to play in the box at inside linebacker. PFF also questioned his coverage skills, ranking him 73rd among linebackers in 2015 in coverage.

There were also predraft concerns about his tackling. PFF had him ranked fourth worst in this draft class in tackling efficiency. The website gave him a third-round grade.

“His 40 time might wow, but there are far too many aspects of Lee’s game that don’t project to the NFL level. His amount of impact plays didn’t match up with his physical skills,” PFF’s scouting report read.

Lee said Friday the criticism of his skills against the run is wrong.

“All I’ve got to say to that is click on the Wisconsin tape,” Lee said, referring to the Buckeyes’ 59-0 win in the 2014 Big Ten championship game.

What does that prove?

“I can take on bigger guys and I can take on fullbacks and play at the point of attack and I’m not afraid of contact, so to speak,” Lee said. “I think that’s a common misconception about me.”

It is clear the stage won’t be too big for Lee. He was at ease when he met the New York media on Friday and showed a confidence that some around the NFL says borders on cockiness.

“I’m going to make some play that’s going to alter the game, help us win the game,” Lee said. “I’m very good at that and I do it consistently.”

He has had plenty of media training. His mother, Candice, is a news anchor for a TV station in Ohio.

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“I think she’s been the main role, a huge role,” Lee said of his mother’s influence. “Just seeing her approach to how she works. Her work ethic is unbelievable. I don’t really see a lot of work ethics like her. She’s very respected in the newsroom. You see it with the work she produces. She’s always trying to do a great job. She’s accountable and she teaches me all those things growing up, to be accountable and have pride in your work. To have pride in your work is nothing to be ashamed of. She instilled that in me and that’s been my driving force.”

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Maccagnan’s 1st big Jets risk is damning of Bryce Petty (Mark Cannizzaro) New York Post April 30, 2016

http://nypost.com/2016/04/30/maccagnans-1st-big-jets-risk-is-damning-of-bryce-petty/

Welcome to Phase 37 of the Jets’ endless, often-futile search for a franchise quarterback.

With the 20th pick of the second round and the 51st pick overall in the NFL draft on Friday night, the Jets selected Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg, making him the 37th quarterback in a checkered team history that has not included many good ones at the most important position the field.

Maybe the Jets were reaching for a little bit of mojo when they had Chad Pennington, one of the best quarterbacks in their history, announce the pick in Chicago.

But, unless you believe Hackenberg will be ready to step in immediately as the starter — and you should not — the Jets now lead the league in backup quarterbacks on their roster. They have three of them, including two projects who are not yet ready for NFL prime time, and no starter.

With 2015 starter Ryan Fitzpatrick still locked in a contract squabble with the Jets, Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and Hackenberg are the quarterbacks on their current roster.

Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan called Hackenberg “a prospect we’re excited about,’’ adding, “We think he has lot of potential and upside.’’

The drafting of Hackenberg does not affect the Fitzpatrick situation. The Jets still want him back. They need him. But he needs them, too, because no team is knocking down his door with a $15 million offer to have him start in 2016.

But the drafting of Hackenberg is a damning indictment of both Smith, their second-round pick in 2013, and Petty, whom they drafted in the fourth round last year.

It’s not fair and too soon to rip this move, because the potential for Hackenberg is obvious based on his physical skills and the fact he has played three years at a big-time program. But this is the first controversial move of the Maccagnan era, with most of the maneuvers he has made to date somewhat conventional and conservative by comparison.

This one raises eyebrows in that a valuable second-round pick was spent on a player who has little to no chance of helping the team in 2016.

Speaking to reporters on a conference call shortly after the pick, Hackenberg sounded humbled at being chosen after his well-documented struggles of the last two seasons in Happy Valley.

“It’s a new opportunity and a new environment,’’ Hackenberg said in what was probably the most telling statement he made, referring to finally extricating himself from the negative atmosphere Penn State had become in his final two seasons, which included NCAA sanctions and a head coaching change. “I’m super grateful.’’

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Jets fans will be the grateful ones if Hackenberg works out eventually, because no team has had more instability at the quarterback position across its history than the Jets.

Hackenberg is the 11th quarterback the Jets have drafted since 2000 and the ninth in the past 10 years. The Jets have had 11 different starting quarterbacks since 2000. Other than Mark Sanchez (2009-2012), none has held the job for more than two consecutive seasons.

Hackenberg comes to the Jets as damaged goods of sorts — psychologically damaged. Based on his declining numbers in his three seasons at Penn State, negativity and questions persisted.

In three years at Penn State, Hackenberg’s completion percentage worsened each season with his 53.5 percent last season the lowest of his career, raising questions about his accuracy. He, too, was sacked 82 times over the last two seasons, raising questions about his mobility.

His best year was as a freshman in 2013, when he threw for 2,995 yards with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

“He needs to be rebuilt,” ESPN analyst Todd McShay said on a recent conference call.

“He’s just got to regain his confidence,’’ former NFL coach and current ESPN analyst Jon Gruden said before the draft.

“I’m just really looking forward to getting better with this opportunity,” Hackenberg said. “A lot of hours have gone into this. This is just the beginning.”

Hopefully it is not the beginning of the end of yet another failed attempt by the Jets searching for that elusive franchise quarterback.

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Jets pull stunner with polarizing QB Christian Hackenberg (Brian Costello) New York Post April 29, 2016

http://nypost.com/2016/04/29/jets-pull-stunner-with-qb-christian-hackenberg/

What the Hack?

The Jets made a puzzling choice with their second-round draft pick Friday night, selecting Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg, one of the most polarizing players in this draft.

Hackenberg, 21, becomes the latest to join the Jets’ quarterback conga line, which has seen the team take an NFL-high nine quarterbacks over the past 11 years, five in the past six and four in four years. You would think with all of those picks, the Jets might have found a franchise quarterback, but think again.

At the moment, the Jets have three backup quarterbacks, but no starter. Ryan Fitzpatrick remains unsigned, leaving Hackenberg, Geno Smith and Bryce Petty as the team’s quarterbacks. That is two projects and a reject.

Hackenberg was seen as a third- or fourth-round pick by many in the NFL. With needs on the offensive line, cornerback and at pass rusher, why did general manager Mike Maccagnan feel the need to draft Hackenberg, who will not see the field until 2017 at the earliest, in the second round?

“We think he has a lot of potential and upside,” Maccagnan said.

The Jets must have fallen in love with Hackenberg, who regressed over his final two years of college after a strong freshman season. The Jets held a private workout several weeks ago at Penn State with Hackenberg and had him to Florham Park for a visit.

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Hackenberg’s regression was not all his fault. He played behind a terrible offensive line, which allowed him to be sacked 103 times, and he suffered when coach Bill O’Brien left for the Texans. O’Brien was replaced by James Franklin, whose system did not fit Hackenberg as well.

In the third round, the Jets selected Georgia outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins, who could replace free agent Calvin Pace in the starting lineup.

Hackenberg was in his backyard in Virginia playing cornhole when his mother ran out with the phone. The Jets were on the other end of the line, telling him they had taken him with the 51st pick overall.

“I’m just really looking forward to getting better here with this opportunity,” Hackenberg said. “I had a great college experience in my opinion. Learned a lot of things, faced a lot of adversity, had success. Overall, just really excited about this opportunity I have at hand right now and really looking forward to that.”

The selection of Hackenberg opens up plenty of questions about the Jets’ plans at quarterback.

The Jets have been trying to re-sign Fitzpatrick, who led them to a 10-6 record last year, for two months but the sides have not been able to reach an agreement. The Jets still want Fitzpatrick back.

“It doesn’t change anything in terms of our approach to Ryan. We like Ryan,” Maccagnan said. “We’ve said this from Day 1, we feel we’re a very good fit for him, he’s a very good fit for us. Our goal is still to see if we can facilitate a contract with Ryan and get him back in the organization.”

Petty was selected just last year in the fourth round, but you have to question what the team thinks of him with this pick. Smith struggled as a starter in 2013 and 2014 before losing the job to Fitzpatrick last year after his jaw was broken in a locker-room fight. If Fitzpatrick returns, Smith could be cut.

Hackenberg is a project and surely the Jets would not play him right away. But they seem to have a cast of backup quarterbacks right now. Who is the starter?

“He is a redshirt futures player,” an executive with another team said of Hackenberg. “You hope the dividend comes down the road. He has the physical skill set in size and arm talent. He has pocket-passer ability, a good body type and quick release. He needs to reboot his footwork and eyes. His accuracy is inconsistent. He makes a throw and then misses a throw, but he has good physical stature and overall arm. He has the kind of qualities you can try and develop because the physical skills are there. There is some concern with the inherent clock in the pocket. He may have a better chance to ascent back in a pro system. He will need time. He is young.”

Hackenberg threw for 16 touchdowns and six interceptions last season, completing just 53.5 percent of his passes. As a freshman in 2013, he threw for 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

“There’s time on tape where he’s consistent and he throws the ball well,” Maccagnan said. “Some of that is technique. Some of that is knowledge of where he is going with the ball. There are a lot of good throws on tape. When you evaluate the player, you look at the potential you see in him and what he can develop into. He’s a guy we’re excited about to get.”

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NJ ADVANCE MEDIA

Christian Hackenberg to Jets: Mike Maccagnan addresses Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith impact (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media April 30, 2016

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http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/04/christian_hackenberg_to_jets_mike_maccagnan_on_imp.html#incart_river_index

FLORHAM PARK — The Jets drafting Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg in the second round Friday night doesn't change anything about their desire to re-sign last year's starter, free agent Ryan Fitzpatrick. Or at least that's what general manager Mike Maccagnan insisted.

The Jets now have former starter Geno Smith, second-year development player Bryce Petty, and Hackenberg in their quarterback room, as the contract standoff with Fitzpatrick nears the two-month mark.

If the Jets do re-sign Fitzpatrick, what is his status in that room? Head coach Todd Bowles answered the question plainly.

"If we get Ryan back, he's our starting quarterback going in," Bowles said. "But they're more than welcome to take the position from him. Obviously, Ryan earned it from last year, and he's going to be the starter [initially]. It's going to be hard to take it from him. Everybody else falls in, and let the competition work itself out."

At this point in time, Smith is technically the starter, according to Bowles.

If the Jets don't re-sign Fitzpatrick, Bowles said it wouldn't be "imminent" that they'd have to add a veteran quarterback, so they could go into 2016 with Smith, Petty, and Hackenberg. Bowles did say the Jets could sign a veteran quarterback, in this scenario, if they happen to like him. It's too early to say for sure, he said.

"Without Fitz being on the team right now, Geno is first team, and then we go from there," Bowles said. "Obviously, we're still working and trying to get Fitzpatrick back. Until that's addressed and we take care of that situation, Geno will go into [organized team activities] as the starter."

Maccagnan said Hackenberg was the best player on the Jets' draft board when the 51st overall pick came up, so they took him, in order to make the quarterback position more competitive. Maccagnan would not commit when asked if Hackenberg has a chance to start in 2016, or if he's a developmental player.

Maccagnan did definitively state that he still wants Fitzpatrick back. He left out an important caveat phrase — "for the right price."

"It doesn't change anything in terms of our approach to Ryan," Maccagnan said. "We like Ryan. We've said this from Day 1. We feel we're a very good fit for him and he's a very good fit for us.

"I think Ryan is a good player for us. He's a great person in our organization. Our goal, simply, is to get Ryan back in the fold. We've said that from Day 1. Our goal is to get Ryan in the organization, and then at the end of the day, we make the position as competitive as we can make it."

Maccagnan dodged a question about an ESPN report Friday that weeks had passed since the Jets and Fitzpatrick's agent, Jimmy Sexton, had meaningful talks.

As for Smith, if the Jets do re-sign Fitzpatrick, his status in the organization would appear shaky. Maccagnan, to no surprise, declined to project what the Hackenberg pick could mean for Smith's future with the Jets. They drafted him in the second round in 2013. Maccagnan, though, insisted the Hackenberg pick was not a referendum on what he thinks of Smith. (But of course it is.)

"No, I wouldn't necessarily think it's a referendum on where one player is at, or not at," Maccagnan said, adding that he just wanted more competition at quarterback. However, he would not say, one way or another, if he thinks Hackenberg is ready to challenge for the Jets' starting job in 2016.

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Surprise! Jets draft quarterback Christian Hackenberg in 2nd round (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media April 30, 2016

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/04/jets_second_roun_pick_tktktktk.html#incart_river_index

FLORHAM PARK — Well, the Jets drafted another quarterback.

With the No. 51 pick in Friday night's second round, the Jets selected Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg.

"I'm just really grateful for the opportunity," Hackenberg said on a conference call just after the pick. "I'm really looking forward to taking the next step and getting in there and starting to get acclimated to everything that's going on with the team. I'm just really excited."

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported soon after the pick that the selection of Hackenberg would not change anything as far as the Jets' approach to Ryan Fitzpatrick, last year's starter who remains unsigned.

Rapoport also reported this:

Ian Rapoport ✔ @RapSheet

#Jets plan to sit Christian Hackenberg, let him grow. They've believed in the player for a while. Expect a Ryan Fitzpatrick deal to be 1r

Hackenberg is the 11th quarterback the Jets have selected since 1999, more than any other team in the league.

Hackenberg is also a project who played well in a pro-style system under former PSU coach Bill O'Brien before taking significant steps back the last two years under head coach James Franklin.

Hackenberg, 21, also got battered behind a weak offensive line that had been battered by Penn State's NCAA sanctions: He was sacked a staggering 103 times in his three seasons, including 82 in 2014 and 2015.

On the conference call, Hackenberg sidestepped a question about that regression.

"I had a great college experience, in my opinion," he said. "I learned a lot of things, faced a lot of adversity, had success. So, I think, overall, I'm just really excited about this opportunity I have right now, and I'm really looking forward to that."

Last year, the Jets drafted Bryce Petty in the fourth round, with the intention of having him as a project. They also have Geno Smith, who is entering a contract year.

The Hackenberg pick does not bode well for Smith's future with the Jets.

Where do things stand with Fitzpatrick? General manager Mike Maccagnan, after Thursday night's first round, said nothing had changed.

And soon after the Hackenberg pick, there was this from ESPN's Adam Schefter:

Adam Schefter ✔ @AdamSchefter

Last time Jets and Ryan Fitzpatrick had any meaningful talks was, in words of one source, "weeks ago."

8:51 PM - 29 Apr 2016

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Jordan Jenkins: Scouting report on Jets' 3rd-round pick (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media April 30, 2016

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/04/jordan_jenkins_scouting_report_on_jets_3rd-round_p.html#incart_river_index

FLORHAM PARK — The Jets on Friday night picked Georgia outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins in the third round, with the No 83 overall pick.

What's the skinny on Jenkins, who's listed as 6-foot-2, 259 pounds?

He's more of a strong-side, edge-setting type, rather than a pass rusher. The Jets no doubt view him as a replacement for Calvin Pace, who was not re-signed this offseason.

Let's take a quick dive into what the draft experts have had to say about him.

From Nolan Nawrocki's "NFL Draft 2016 Preview":

"A big, strong, powerful linebacker that played a multitude of roles and is ideally suited for a role as a strong-side or left outside linebacker in a '30' front. Played through [a groin] injury as a senior and showed more burst earlier in his career. Is very tough, competitive and instinctive and has the physical talent to readily become a very good pro."

From Dane Brugler's "2016 NFL Draft Guide":

"A four-year starter in Georgia's 3-4 base, Jenkins stood up at outside linebacker on both sides of the formation, also putting his hand on the ground as a defensive end in four-man fronts. He sets a hard edge with heavy hands and length to track the ball and mirror at the line of scrimmage. He displays the initial quickness and flexibility to threaten the edge, but he lacks the speed or bag of tricks to be a dangerous pass rush threat at the next level. Jenkins is a dependable, gritty competitor with a skill-set predicated on power, making him a natural fit as a strongside outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme – projects as a borderline starter who will need to produce better numbers in the NFL than at Georgia in order to hold onto the top spot on the depth chart."

From the "Pro Football Focus 2016 Draft Guide":

"Jenkins graded well over last two years against SEC, power-5 compe on, although his grade was slightly in ated by a mammoth Vanderbilt game in 2015. He's not a Von Miller-type athlete and didn't grade that well as a pass rusher. Could see more impact against the run."

From Jenkins' NFL.com draft profile:

"Three-year starter who has played both outside linebacker spots in the Bulldogs 3-­4 defense. With Jenkins length and outstanding power on the edge, he is a natural fit as an edge-­setting strongside 3­-4 outside linebacker in the pros. Jenkins may not be viewed as dangerous enough as a pass rusher to warrant a first round pick, but he's a safe pick whose toughness and football IQ make him an early starter candidate."

According to the New York Daily News, Jets head coach Todd Bowles and defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers flew to Georgia during the pre-draft process to work Jenkins out privately.

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Christian Hackenberg: Scouting report on Jets' 2nd-round pick (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media April 29, 2016

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http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/01/jets_expected_to_hire_rams_scout_brian_heimerdinge.html

FLORHAM PARK — The Jets on Friday night got their quarterback, as they drafted Penn State's Christian Hackenberg in the second round, at No. 51 overall.

Could he be their starter of the future? That much we don't know.

For now, here's a scouting report on Hackenberg:

His production dipped over the past two seasons, under new head coach James Franklin. In 2013, as a true freshman, Hackenberg played well in a pro-style offense under Bill O'Brien, who now coaches the Texans.

As a freshman, Hackenberg completed 58.9 percent of his passes for 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Penn State's offensive line sputtered over the next two seasons, which contributed to Hackenberg's struggles.

In 2014, he completed 55.8 percent of his passes for 12 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. In 2015, he completed 53.5 percent for 16 touchdowns and six picks.

But Hackenberg does have a prototypical NFL quarterback physique — 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds. He has a big arm, too, though his hands are on the smaller side for a quarterback. They measured 9 inches at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The issue for NFL scouts: They had to determine how much of his problems over the past two seasons stemmed from a new coaching staff and porous offensive line, versus Hackenberg's own shortcomings.

Here's a look at the NFL.com scouting report on Hackenberg:

Hackenberg has the size, athleticism and arm talent of a long-time NFL starter, but his accuracy issues go well beyond just "ball placement" problems. Teams must determine if his inaccuracy is innate or a product of the beatings he's taken, and then determine if he's shell-shocked or able to round back into form. Hackenberg's tools, intelligence and experience under center should make him an eventual starter, but his boom-or-bust potential will either get a coach an extension or fired.

And here's a look at what CBSSports.com had to say:

A three-year starter, Hackenberg had a promising freshman campaign in 2013 under the guidance of Bill O'Brien, but his development regressed with the new coaching staff the past two seasons. He didn't receive much help from his surroundings the past two years with questionable play-calling, inconsistent weapons and a leaky offensive line, but Hackenberg deserves plenty of blame as well.

Although he has special arm talent, the tape shows flawed decision-making, poor pocket awareness and streaky accuracy due to unstable mechanics. There is no question that Hackenberg will benefit from NFL coaching, but the game still moves at light speed for him and hasn't shown signs of slowing down - is he already damaged goods?

Overall, the physical traits and arm strength are ideal for the NFL, but Hackenberg doesn't show a natural feel for the game and lacks a strong grasp in three critical areas of playing the position: touch, placement and decision-making.

Three years ago, the Jets drafted Geno Smith in Round 2. He hasn't exactly worked out. Will Hackenberg fare any better? Can he lead this team into the future?

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NFL Draft 2016: Jets pick OLB Jordan Jenkins in 3rd round (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media April 29, 2016

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/04/nfl_draft_2016_jets_pick_xxx_in_3rd_round.html#incart_river_index

FLORHAM PARK — The Jets addressed their uncertain edge rusher situation head-on Friday night, when they drafted Georgia outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins in the third round, with the 83rd overall pick.

Jenkins, who was the Jets' final selection Friday, follows first-round pick Darron Lee (a linebacker from Ohio State) and second-round pick Christian Hackenberg (a quarterback from Penn State) in this draft.

The Jets are going to initially slot Lee as an inside linebacker, though he can play outside in some capacity. In last year's third round, the Jets drafted edge rusher Lorenzo Mauldin, who did well as a situational pass rusher last season, but still needs to develop into a more complete, every-down linebacker.

In 2012, the Jets took defensive lineman Quinton Coples in the first round, and tried to make him their rush outside linebacker. But he wound up being a bust, and the Jets cut him during last season, leaving a big hole at the position.

The Jets also let starting strong-side linebacker Calvin Pace, 35, become a free agent this offseason, and have not yet re-signed him. So there's a vacancy at that position, as well.

Jenkins, who is 6-foot-3 and 259 pounds, had 10.5 tackles for loss last season and four sacks. The year before, he had 9.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. He also had five sacks in 2012 and 2013, to go with eight and 12 tackles for loss those years.

Jets head coach Todd Bowles traveled to Georgia and put Jenkins through a workout leading up to the draft, so Bowles was quite familiar with him.

The draft concludes Saturday with Rounds 4-7, on Day 3. The Jets are scheduled to have one pick in Round 4 and two in Round 7.

So far, the Jets have made all of their picks at the original slots, and have not traded any of them.

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What does Jets drafting Christian Hackenberg mean for Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith? (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media April 29, 2016

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/04/what_does_jets_drafting_christian_hackenberg_mean.html#incart_river_index

FLORHAM PARK — Now that the Jets have drafted Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg, in the second round Friday, what does that mean for their free agent starting quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick?

Fitzpatrick is involved in a contract standoff with the Jets, who haven't been willing to meet his asking price. Nor have other quarterback-needy teams.

Right now, the Jets have Hackenberg, former starter Geno Smith, and second-year pro Bryce Petty in their quarterback room.

It seems pretty clear that Smith is not in the Jets' future plans. If they are able to re-sign Fitzpatrick, Smith would be a likely candidate for a cut — a move that would create about $1 million in salary cap space.

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Petty is a developmental player. Hackenberg, because he played as a true freshman in 2013, has just three years of college experience — albeit all as a starter. It seems unlikely that he'll be ready to start in Week 1 next season.

Fitzpatrick, 33, was never going to be the Jets' long-term answer at quarterback, regardless of when he re-signed. Now his contract standoff has dragged on for almost two months.

All along, it was possible the Jets would draft a quarterback this weekend. And now they have, for the fifth time (and fourth straight year) since they took Mark Sanchez fifth overall in 2009. Smith was a second-rounder in 2013, Petty a fourth-rounder last year.

So what happens from here?

Consider these reports, from NFL Media's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter, as we await a press conference later Friday with Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles:

Ian Rapoport ✔ @RapSheet

#Jets plan to sit Christian Hackenberg, let him grow. They've believed in the player for a while. Expect a Ryan Fitzpatrick deal to be 1r

Adam Schefter ✔ @AdamSchefter

Last time Jets and Ryan Fitzpatrick had any meaningful talks was, in words of one source, "weeks ago."

8:51 PM - 29 Apr 2016

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Jets take Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg with second round pick as Ryan Fitzpatrick remains unsigned (Manish Mehta) New York Daily News April 30, 2016

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/bondy-time-build-jets-long-run-article-1.2087030

The Jets injected some juice into the second round of the NFL draft by grabbing polarizing Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg Friday night.

A couple weeks after general manager Mike Maccagnan inquired about moving up to the No. 1 pick for a franchise signal caller, the scouting guru made an aggressive move for the ultimate wild card.

“We think he has a lot of potential and upside,” Maccagnan said.

The Jets took edge-setting Georgia outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins in the third round, but Hackenberg created the buzz.

The 6-4, 223-pound Hackenberg is an enigma that could make Maccagnan look like a genius or a fool in the coming years. He threw for 2,955 yards with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a freshman in 2013 before a couple of uneven seasons.

Hackenberg showed plenty of promise under Bill O’Brien, but lost his way after the quarterback whisperer left for the Houston Texans. He struggled under James Franklin, prompting many to wonder whether his regression was a result of poor coaching. Hackenberg’s issues in his final two seasons could be attributed to a patchwork offensive line and dearth of weapons. The debate turned him into a giant question mark for some teams.

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Hackenberg finished with 28 TDs and 21 picks in two years with Franklin. His completion percentages dropped in each of his three seasons at Happy Valley.

“There’s a lot of good throws on tape too,” Maccagnan said.

There’s no denying that Hackenberg offers an intriguing skill set as a strong-armed drop-back passer with experience in a pro-style system. O’Brien traded up and leapfrogged the Jets, prompting many to think that he’d select his former pupil with the No. 50 pick, but the Texans took Notre Dame offensive lineman Nick Martin. “The thought did cross our mind,” Maccagnan admitted.

Then, the Jets grabbed him.

“Honestly, I was sitting out in my backyard playing corn hole, and my mom came running out with the phone,” Hackenberg said from his home in Virginia.

The Jets’ never-ending search for a franchise signal caller has included plenty of busts, flops and disappointments. The Jets had been linked to Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch in the first round, but sources told The News that he was never a serious consideration in the first round. Gang Green viewed Lynch as a third- or fourth-round player.

The Jets still prefer to re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick, whose contract impasse has lasted for two months, but the hope is that Hackenberg can ultimately become the long-term answer at the game’s most pivotal position. “It doesn’t change anything with our approach to Ryan,” Maccagnan said. “Our goal is to get Ryan back into the fold.”

Hackenberg exhibited toughness, leadership and grit as a freshman, but there are legitimate questions about why his play suffered after O’Brien left. Some scouts also wonder whether his relatively small hands (9 inches) will have impact his production.

Hackenberg’s arrival prompts the obvious question: Which Jets quarterback will be left out in the cold?

At the moment, the Jets have Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and Hackenberg, hardly a Murderer’s Row of gun slingers.

“Geno is first team,” Todd Bowles said. “We’re still working to bring Fitzpatrick back. Geno will go into OTAs as the starter.”

Although Maccagnan said he “wouldn’t necessarily rule out” keeping four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster entering the regular season, that would be extremely unusual.

Bowles has a playoff-contending roster with an aging core, so starting over at quarterback this season makes little sense. The organization views Fitzpatrick, who threw for a franchise-record 31 touchdowns last season, as the ideal bridge to their future. Last year’s second-rounder Petty isn’t likely to go anywhere. The brain trust remains cautiously optimistic that he can develop.

Smith, a second-round pick by the failed John Idzik regime, will be entering the final year of his rookie contract. If the Jets sign Fitzpatrick or a veteran like Brian Hoyer, who recently met with the brain trust on a free-agent visit, Smith’s days will be numbered. The organization believes Smith is a solid No. 2 quarterback, but he’s their best option for now.

Fitzpatrick has every intention of playing this season despite the prolonged contract stalemate. The Jets have taken a hard-line stance with their veteran leader from a year ago. He remains the Jets’ best option to make a legitimate playoff push in 2016, but the team doesn’t appear inclined to move off an offer that is below market value for starting quarterbacks. Nobody, however, has offered the quarterback more money than the Jets.

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They’d ideally like to play with Fitzpatrick for one more season before making a transition to a younger signal caller (unless the veteran leads them to the playoffs this year).

The 6-3, 258-pound Jenkins, meanwhile, has the toughness and high football I.Q. to be a contributor in Bowles’ scheme. He played through groin and hip injuries last season, but appears to be a solid choice. He has some skills as a pass-rusher (four sacks) and possessed the largest wingspan (80 3/8 inches) of any linebacker at the Combine. Bowles and defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers recently worked out Jenkins at the University of Georgia.

Hackenberg, however, grabbed the spotlight on this night.

The Jets hope that he doesn’t follow the franchise’s conga line of recent second-round busts.

Hackenberg comes with fair concerns, but the payoff could be big.

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New Jets LB Darron Lee says ‘the sky is the limit’ and hypes his play-making ability (Manish Mehta) New York Daily News April 30, 2016

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/new-jets-lb-darron-lee-sky-limit-article-1.2619468

Darron Lee surely doesn't lack for confidence.

The Jets' first-round pick self-described greatest asset: "Playmaking ability."

"You're going to make some play that's going to alter the game to help us win the game," Lee said Friday at the team facility. "I'm very good at that and I do it consistently…. I want you to feel my passion and energy, because I really care about this game."

The Jets hope that the former Ohio State safety-turned-linebacker will be a versatile piece to Todd Bowles' defensive puzzle. Lee's blazing sideline-to-sideline speed should reap immediate dividends. His ability to grow at a position that is relatively new for him will ultimately determine whether Mike Maccagnan struck gold with the No. 20 pick.

"I personally feel that I'm going to keep getting better," the 21-year-old Lee said. "Like most people like to say, I'm raw at the position, but I'm a very very fast learner. That's why I got on the field quickly at Ohio State. So, I feel the sky is the limit for me. I look forward to getting better."

Lee played coverage, in the box and on the edge in college. He primary covered receivers in the slot on third downs at Ohio State, but he might have to shadow tight ends at the next level as well in Bowles' "Mo" inside linebacker spot.

"I know he has a lot of different looks and he's an aggressive coach," Lee said. "So I think the versatility will definitely help."

The 6-1 Lee, who hopes to play between 235-240 pounds, wanted to dispel the notion that his relatively light frame (he entered Ohio State as a 197-pound teenager) will prevent him from being effective in the box.

"All I got to say to that is click on the Wisconsin tape," Lee said.

What did that tape show?

"Well, we won 59-0," he said. "I can take on bigger guys and take on fullbacks and play at a point of attack. I'm not afraid of contact… I think that's a common misconception."

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Lee said that he played more coverage last year on third downs. He was used in myriad ways on first and second down depending on the weekly game plan. The jack-of-all-trades skill set should prove valuable for Bowles, who has a track record of putting players in positions to best utilize their talents.

Lee's blazing speed - his 1.54-second 10-yard split at the Combine was the fastest among linebackers- is his most appealing.

"They love my speed," Lee said about feedback he received from his pre-draft visit. "I would help the defense be a lot faster… Coach Bowles wanted a lot more speed on the defensive side of the ball and he said you have it."

Lee consulted with former Ohio State teammate and Jets' 2015 second-rounder Devin Smith throughout the pre-draft process. He also cracked that former Buckeye Eli Apple, who will share a home stadium with him after getting drafted by the Giants on Thursday night, should be roommates.

Lee's first order of business will be grasping the Jets' 3-4 defense after playing in Ohio State's 4-3 scheme.

"That'll be a challenge, for sure," Lee said. "I know I'm coming into a very hungry defense, a competitive defense, a defense that wants to put teams away."

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WALL STREET JOURNAL

Jets Unveil Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan, Stress Harmony (Alex Raskin) Wall Street Journal January 21, 2015

http://www.wsj.com/articles/jets-unveil-todd-bowles-and-mike-maccagnan-stress-harmony-1421893115?tesla=y

Smith tossed 13 touchdowns and 13 picks in 2014, so unless they truly believe he can improve, Maccagnan and Bowles will need to find an alternative plan or risk losing their new jobs.

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USA TODAY SPORTS MEDIA GROUP

Jets GM leaves door open for Hackenberg to start in 2016 (Connor Hughes) USA Today Sports Media Group April 30, 2016

http://jetswire.usatoday.com/2016/04/30/jets-gm-leaves-door-open-for-hackenberg-to-start-in-2016/

Christian Hackenberg is the Jets quarterback of the future. The team made that abundantly clear when they selected him in the second round of the NFL draft Friday night.

The question now is just when that “future” exactly begins. According to Jets GM Mike Maccagnan, it may be sooner, rather than later.

“We’ll see how he progresses, and how quickly he progress,” Maccagnan at a press conference following the conclusion of the third round.

One of the more polarizing players in the entire draft, Hackenberg, 21, is kind of a giant question mark. See, athletically, he has all the makings of a ‘Top 5’ pick– There’s the size (6-4, 223 pounds), cannon for an arm and high football IQ. He also played at a major college, has athletic ability, and is a film rat.

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All of that is good. Excellent, actually.

The bad is, well, Hackenberg just didn’t play very good football at Penn State.

During his three-year collegiate playing career, Hackenberg never once completed more than 60 percent of his passes, threw for more than 20 touchdowns or over 3,000 yards. As a junior in 2015, he had a dismal completion percentage of just 53.5 percent. It was a case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

“I’m really just looking forward to getting better here with this opportunity,” Hackenberg said via conference call after being selected. “I had a great college experience, in my opinion, learned a lot of things, faced a lot of adversity, but had some success.

“I think, overall, I’m just really excited about this opportunity I have at hand here and I’m looking forward to it.”

The Jets are taking a gamble hoping Hackenberg’s talent will eventually translate into production on the NFL level. And New York certainly got an up-close look at that talent.

A large contingent of Jets’ decision makers attended Hackenberg’s pro day, then set up a private workout for him and even hosted him for a visit. The result was team falling in love with, maybe not the player Hackenberg is now, but rather what he could eventually become.

“When we analyzed Christian,” Maccagnan said. “He has a lot of physical ability in terms of arm strength, athletic ability and size. . . We liked him from a mental and aptitude standpoint. We think there’s a lot to work with there.

“There are a lot of qualities where we think he can develop into a pretty good quarterback in the NFL.”

Right now, the Jets record-breaking quarterback from a season ago (Ryan Fitzpatrick) is still a free agent. If he were to return to the team, which both Maccagnan and Jets coach Todd Bowles said is the goal, he is the unquestioned starter.

But with Fitzpatrick presently not under contract, the starter, according to Bowles, is fourth-year pro Geno Smith. Again though, that’s right now, and come camp, if Fitzpatrick still isn’t there, it could be anyone’s game– and that includes Hackenberg’s.

“We’ll see where he’s at when he comes in,” Maccagnan said. “I’m going to let that play itself out over time.”

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Instant Analysis: New York Jets select Georgia LB Jordan Jenkins (Connor Hughes) USA Today Sports Media Group April 30, 2016

http://jetswire.usatoday.com/2016/04/29/instant-analysis-new-york-jets-select-georgia-lb-jordan-jenkins/

The Jets have selected Georgia linebacker Jordan Jenkins in the third round of the NFL draft. The Calvin Pace replacement can have quite the impact for the team as a rookie. Let’s take a look.

1) Perfect fit

I mocked Jenkins to the Jets awhile back, envisioning him as a perfect Calvin Pace replacement. He sets the edge against the run and is versatile. With the Jets, he’ll most likely play strong side linebacker.

2) Round 3 value (yet again)

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The Jets landed an impressive outside linebacker in Lorenzo Mauldin in last year’s draft and they’ve done it again with Jordan Jenkins. While the fan base seemed up in arms about Hackenberg in round two, this pick in round three was the opposite of a reach.

3) Instant Starter

It’s not often that 3rd round picks are assumed to be week one starters, but Jenkins could be the exception. With a giant starting spot wide open at outside linebacker, he is the best bet to take over the job.

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Jets select Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg in second round of NFL Draft (Connor Hughes) USA Today Sports Media Group April 30, 2016

http://jetswire.usatoday.com/2016/04/29/jets-select-penn-state-qb-christian-hackenberg-in-second-round-of-nfl-draft/

The Jets have their quarterback of the future.

With the 51st overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft, the Jets selected Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg.

“I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity,” Hackenberg said. “A lot of hours have gone into this. It’s just the beginning. I’m really looking forward to taking the next step, getting in there and starting to get acclimated.

“I’m really excited.”

Hackenberg, 21, is coming off a bit of an up-and-down career during his three years at Penn State. After breaking out as a freshman in 2013 with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, Hackenberg got worse and worse over the ensuing two years.

In 2014, Hackenberg threw for just 2,977 yards with 12 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, while completing only 55.8 percent of his passes. As a junior last year, Hackenberg threw for 2,525 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions, but completed a dismal 53.5 percent of his passes.

“I’m really just looking forward to getting better here with this opportunity,” Hackenberg said. “I had a great college experience, in my opinion, learned a lot of things, faced a lot of adversity, but had some success.

“I think, overall, I’m just really excited about this opportunity I have at hand here and I’m looking forward to it.”

While Hackenberg struggled on the field, there’s no denying his physical abilities. Standing 6-4 and weighing 223 pounds, Hackenberg has the size, along with talent (arm strength) that make him an intriguing draft prospect.

NFL.com had the following to say about Hackenberg in the draft profile

Hackenberg has the size, athleticism and arm talent of a long-time NFL starter, but his accuracy issues go well beyond just “ball placement” problems. Teams must determine if his inaccuracy is innate or a product of the beatings he’s taken, and then determine if he’s shell-shocked or able to round back into form. Hackenberg’s tools, intelligence and experience under center should make him an eventual starter, but his boom-or-bust potential will either get a coach an extension or fired.

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Right now, the Jets have Geno Smith and Bryce Petty under contract entering next season. The team is attempting to re-sign veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, who broke the team’s record for passing touchdowns in a season in 2015.

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FRIDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

BASEBALL

National League

PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Signed hitting coach Jeff Branson, coach Brad Fischer, bench coach Dave Jauss, first base coach Nick Leyva, assistant hitting coach Jeff Livesey, bullpen coach Euclides Rojas, pitching coach Ray Searage, third base coach Rick Sofield and bullpen catcher Heberto Andrade to contract extensions through the 2017 season.

American Association

LAREDO LEMURS — Signed C Matt M. Koch.

WICHITA WINGNUTS — Signed INF Tyler Urps.

WINNIPEG GOLDEYES — Released LHP Jhonathan Ramos.

Atlantic League

LONG ISLAND DUCKS — Activated LHP Jack Snodgrass. Placed RHP John Brownell on the inactive list.

Can-Am League

QUEBEC CAPITALES — Signed OF Kalian Sams.

FOOTBALL

National Football League

BUFFALO BILLS — Released TE Jacob Maxwell and LB A.J. Tarpley.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS — Recalled F Pontus Aberg from Milwaukee (AHL).

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Waived WR Andre Davis, LB Darius Eubanks, G Antoine Everett, S Gerod Holliman, DT Derrick Lott, S Kimario McFadden, LB Jermauria Rasco and CB C.J. Roberts.

HOCKEY

National Hockey League

NHL — Fined Washington F Tom Wilson $2,403.67 for kneeing Pittsburgh F Conor Sheary during an April 28 game.

ANAHEIM DUCKS — Fired coach Bruce Boudreau.

BUFFALO SABRES — Re-signed F Johan Larsson to a one-year contract.

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS — Agreed to terms with F Luke Johnson on a three-year contract.

DETROIT RED WINGS — Reassigned G Jake Paterson to Grand Rapids Griffins from Toledo (ECHL). Recalled D Joel Chouinard from Toledo. Signed F A.J. Jenks to a professional tryout.

RUGBY

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USA RUGBY — Announced the resignation of chief executive officer Nigel Melville effective June 30, to become director of professional rugby for the Rugby Football Union.

COLLEGE

HAMPDEN-SYDNEY — Announced the retirement of lacrosse coach Ray Rostan after the season.

IOWA — Named Broderick Binns director of player development and Tyler Barnes director of recruiting.

IOWA STATE — Announced men’s basketball G Naz Mitrou-Long was granted a hardship waiver by the Big 12, making him eligible to play as expected in 2016-17.

TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY — Named Caleb Villarreal special assistant to the men’s basketball coach.

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