It'll be interesting to see what the New York Jets do if they start losing games early or if Geno Smith gets injured.
In the event that Smith deals with an injury, the Jets, depending on how they're playing, could find a quarterback to come and start games for them. However, in the other avenue, one in which we would see the Jets not winning games and deciding to go the younger route, there seems to be an expectation that youngster Cade Klubnik out of Clemson could get a start.
After selecting Klubnik, the Jets planned to develop him into a high-level starter. The Jets, however, seem impressed with how he looks early on, with it recently noted that he could be the number two quarterback, as the Jets are giving him every chance to do so.
“The Jets are giving Klubnik every opportunity to win the No. 2 job, which could be risky for Glenn, who needs to win games this season. If Smith is felled by a major injury, could the offense function with a rookie at the helm?...
“If Klubnik is deemed not ready, perhaps they will turn to Zappe, a 2020 fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots with a 4-5 starting record. Brady Cook, who went 0-4 last season, is a distant fourth on the depth chart,” Rich Cimini wrote.
Throwing him into the fire like this might not be the worst idea, as other plans haven't worked out for the Jets in other years. It isn't like the Jets have figured out the quarterback position and know the perfect way to develop young guys.
Klubnik, though he's young, has the tools to be a really good player. My only concern in a situation like this is whether the team around him is good enough to help him adjust to the NFL.
I'm curious how much of this will fall on Aaron Glenn. Considering that we know he's coaching for his job, will he really look at a rookie to save him? It's tough to imagine that, but only time will tell if the Jets get to that reality.
