Bryce Petty to New York Jets: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

The New York Jets addressed another need in the fourth round of the NFL draft with the selection of Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty.

Gang Green moved up one spot to grab the signal-caller, which showed that New York was afraid of losing him to another team. The Jets obviously have high expectations for Petty, as they passed on several other talented prospects in order to grab him.

Petty is far from a plug-and-play guy, though. He comes from a simple spread offense that didn't ask him to make multiple reads and scan the field. Nonetheless, he was incredibly productive throughout his collegiate career. In two seasons as the starter in Waco, Petty tossed for over 8,000 yards with 61 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions while leading the Bears to the Fiesta Bowl and the Cotton Bowl.

It could take a while for Petty to adjust to the NFL game, as he should initially struggle to read and react to complex defensive schemes. He also needs to develop more composure in the pocket, especially when under pressure. He also must improve his deep-ball accuracy, as he can often miss open receivers downfield.

However, Petty has the talent to make the necessary adjustments and develop into a solid starting option at the next level. The Texas native has prototypical size, above-average mobility and good arm strength as well as strong leadership qualities and topnotch toughness.

Petty won't come close to challenging Geno Smith for the starting job this offseason, and even 2016 might be a stretch. He isn't ready to see game action at the NFL level, and it could take him years to translate his game away from the spread offense into a more complex scheme.

It will be interesting to see how Gang Green split up the snaps at quarterback throughout minicamp and training camp, especially with Ryan Fitzpatrick also in the fold. Nonetheless, Geno remains the heavy favorite to land the starting job.

It is easy to see why general manager Mike Maccagnan and Co. selected Petty in the fourth round, as Smith has not shown the ability to be a legitimate starter. New York needed another quarterback to develop as a safety option in case the former second-round selection continues to struggle.

Nonetheless, the front office must realize the needs along the offensive line. The Jets have three starters who are at least 29 years old as well as a big hole at guard. Pittsburgh offensive tackle T.J. Clemmings and Florida State guard Tre' Jackson were both available, and either option would have immediately upgraded the trenches.

New York took Petty with an eye toward the future, but the complete ignorance of the holes along the offensive line makes this pick bittersweet.

Grade: B-