Then, of course, there’s star defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson, who turns 27 in October. Louis Rams took with the 250th overall selection 11 years ago.
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Fitzpatrick is an unrestricted free agent.
Fitzpatrick and the Jets are said to be far apart on their contract parameters.
Mike Maccagnan reiterated Saturday that, even after drafting Christian Hackenberg on Friday, the team still wants to bring Fitzpatrick back.
“We felt he has ability to be a three-down player for us, on both running and passing downs”, Maccagnan said.
“I’m happy with his weight right now”, Bowles said.
“Nothing has changed from that standpoint”, he added, referring to the Fitzpatrick saga. But you go through your process of just being prepared for alternative things that may arise. “. So at least I can put that to bed at this point in time”.
The move complicates an already uncertain quarterback situation.
The feel-good story ended on a sour note, as Fitzpatrick threw three fourth-quarter interceptions in the season finale – a crushing loss to the Buffalo Bills that cost the Jets a playoff spot.
Something will have to give for Fitzpatrick to return.
“Not so much minicamp-training camp”, Bowles said. “I’m just a guy who enjoys getting after it and getting physical”. “He has a chip on his shoulder the size of the Rock of Gibraltar, and with how naturally competitive he has shown that he is, you can probably guess that he will want to come in and silence everyone who criticizes him so easily”.
The selection marked the seventh straight year in which the Jets picked a defensive player in the first round, with the last offensive player going in the opening round quarterback Mark Sanchez in 2009. He is a tough, physical and smart player, with long arms and strong hands that make him hard to block.
“He’s big. He’s long”, Bowles said. “I’m very good at that, and can do it consistently”.
The Jets took someone with a famous name in the fifth round, trading up to select SC offensive tackle Brandon Shell with the 158th overall pick.
“A lot of great coaches up there, a lot of awesome football knowledge”, he said.
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The Hackenberg pick was met with mixed reaction by the Jets fan base, jumpstarting a brand new debate about Hackenberg’s development and how soon – or if – he will be ready for the big stage.
