New York Jets Fast Becoming A 2015 NFL Draft Wild Card

Jan 21, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets new head coach Todd Bowles speaks during a press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports

There is little doubt that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to take a quarterback with the 1st overall pick this coming April in the 2015 NFL Draft.  The Tennessee Titans are also an option, but one team that is becoming harder and harder to figure out regarding their intentions at quarterback are the New York Jets.

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Todd Bowles offers zero hints on future of Geno Smith

Making the matter that much more murky is the presence of a new coaching staff.  Just based on production, quarterback Geno Smith showed some signs of life late in his second season, throwing for 1,066 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions over the last five games.  It was easily the best stretch of his career.  However, new head coach Todd Bowles offered few leads as to what his plans are at quarterback.

"“We understand that if Geno’s our guy going forward, we have to get some people around him and do a lot of things better, and Chan is outstanding at that.”"

Chan Gailey has experience with quarterbacks like Smith

Indeed the key to this entire situation will be what new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey feels he can or cannot accomplish with Smith at quarterback.  Here is some good news for New York Jets fans:  Gailey actually has experience with a player of Smith’s style before.  Back in 1997 he was offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers — their starting quarterback that season was Kordell Stewart, famously nicknamed “Slash” for his ability to play multiple positions.  Stewart, like Smith, had a good arm and excellent scrambling ability and was very productive in college.

That season, Stewart had the best statistical year of his career.  He threw for 3,020 yards, 21 touchdown passes, and also ran for 476 yards and 11 more touchdowns.  If anybody would clearly understand how to use Smith, it’s Gailey.

Even so, with the #6 pick in their pocket one thing is clear:  the New York Jets aren’t telling anybody their plans.  That is why they could make the start of the 2015 NFL Draft exciting.