Eric Decker Comments on Jets Selecting Christian Hackenberg in 2016 NFL Draft

New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker stated Tuesday he was "surprised" when the team drafted Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. He also remains hopeful the team can eventually find a way to bring back Ryan Fitzpatrick to fill the void under center. 

Rich Cimini of ESPN.com passed along comments Decker made during a United Way charity event in New York City. He maintained his confidence in general manager Mike Maccagnan despite being caught off guard by the team's selection.

"I was a little surprised, to be honest with you," Decker said. "But Mike and his scouts do their research and homework for a reason, and they saw something special with him. I guess they wanted him earlier than later."

The 29-year-old wideout said he believes Fitzpatrick is the "right man" for the job since the Jets are a team that should be looking to compete next season. He also liked the chemistry he was able to build with the Harvard product last year, per ESPN.com: "It's a team that's ready to win now, and we need someone with a veteran presence at the quarterback position. My job is to catch the ball, but obviously, I want what's best for the team—and that relationship I want as well."

Fitzpatrick and the Jets have remained at a contract stalemate throughout most of the offseason. Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reported in April the quarterback told people close to him he'd "rather not play" than take what New York was offering at the time.

Jets owner Woody Johnson hasn't ruled out bringing back Fitzpatrick into the fold, as noted by Darryl Slater of NJ Advance Media, but he noted Tuesday there wasn't much urgency right now:

"

By training camp, you've really got to have to have your quarterback in there. No news to report [with Fitzpatrick]. We've got some time here. Training camp is not for another couple months. I don't think there's any real urgency at this point. I never worry. I'm not frustrated, and I don't worry. Worrying is a waste of time.

"

As things stand, the Jets have Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and Hackenberg on the roster. None of those options are overly appealing, with the former Penn State quarterback needing some development time, which is why a veteran like Decker is still holding out hope Fitzpatrick returns.

The sides are still a perfect match, especially as other teams have filled their quarterback voids through free agency or the draft. Now, the question is whether they can find enough common ground on the financial side before training camp arrives.