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When fans view the New York Jets, they have to really scratch their heads upon looking at the QB position. The Jets are currently carrying four QBs on the roster. There have been reports from NFL Network and ESPN saying there is no competition going on and that Geno Smith is the starter. While that may be true, what is going on with the rest of the spots at the position? Why did the Jets pick up QB Tajh Boyd in sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft? They already had Michael Vick and second year veteran Matt Simms on the roster. Do the Jets plan on bringing 3 QBs into the 2014 NFL Season?
Signal callers on one of the “Big Apple’s” biggest stages are always an item of concern and the Jets have definitely made it interesting with the offseason acquisitions. Boyd entered the NFL Draft, assuming he was one of the nation’s top prospects. The 2012 ACC Offensive Player of the Year put up a 168.7 QB rating with 3851 yards and 34 TDs in 2013 only to wind up battling Matt Simms for the honor of being buried on a depth chart behind Smith and Vick. I get the fact that he was throwing to one of the best WRs in football in Sammy Watkins but he had something to do with Watkins star status. Boyd deserved a shot to start or at least be a #2 elsewhere. Now he has to “ride the pine”, hold a clipboard and wait for his shot. Lets just hope he’s actually studying and not doing whatever the heck Curtis Painter was doing when he was called upon in Indy, after sitting behind Peyton Manning for two years.
I do, however see the method to the madness with, Boyd’s selection. General Manager John Idzik is betting on Vick to get injured at some point in the season, if he for some reason starts over Smith. Considering Vick has not played for a full season since 2006, the move appears to be one of brilliance from the GM. Should Vick go down, it is convenient to already have a QB on the roster in place to step up as the number two. With that said, is it worth going into a season wasting a roster spot on a “what-if” scenario?
The Jets have plenty of needs besides the QB position and may need to use that spot for another player with them ranking 22nd in the league in Defense in 2013. Even if Boyd manages to beat out Simms for the third spot, will that spot be as a practice squad player? Only time will tell how this roster will pan out. “Gang Green” is in for one heck of an Off-Season drama with all of the potential roster madness around the bend.
Jermaine Lockett is a writer for CouchRiderReport.net. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.