NFL Draft 2016: Christian Hackenberg to visit New York Jets

With Ryan Fitzpatrick still unsigned, the Jets will reportedly take a closer look at the former Penn State standout.

The New York Jets have repeatedly expressed their collective desire to have 33-year-old veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick return as the team’s starting quarterback next season. But as the NFL draft inches closer with no Fitzpatrick deal imminent, New York appears to be examining all possibilities.

The Jets have scheduled a visit with former Big Ten Freshman of the Year Christian Hackenberg at their team facility on Sunday, April 10, according to a report from ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini. The Jets, according to the report, were also in attendance at Penn State’s pro day on March 17.

Hackenberg is generally considered a tier or two below the top quarterback prospects in this year’s draft, most notably North Dakota State senior Carson Wentz, California junior Jared Goff and Memphis junior Paxton Lynch.

Hackenberg burst onto the national scene in 2013, throwing for 2,955 yards, 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a true freshman under current Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien. His next two seasons were decidedly less successful, but the potential remains apparent.

The Jets have made a habit out of drafting quarterbacks in recent years, selecting one signal caller in the last three drafts and five of the last seven overall. This list includes Bryce Petty (fourth round, 2015), Geno Smith (second round, 2013) and Mark Sanchez (first round, 2009), among others.

Smith and Petty currently stand as the only two quarterbacks signed to the active roster.

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