New York Jets: Sam Darnold and the effect on the depth chart

We look at how Sam Darnold effects the depth chart at quarterback for the New York Jets.

It’s time to move ahead. The New York Jets have selected USC quarterback Sam Darnold in the draft. He will be looked to now by fans and the team to be that guy that finally takes the team back to the Super Bowl. Time will tell.

Now, let’s look at how his selection impacts the team immediately.

Obviously Josh McCown will remain on the team. One answer, however, was a little bit surprising. According to NFL insider Ian Rappaport during the draft telecast, Teddy Bridgewater‘s spot on the roster is tenuous at best. He said that his team physical was borderline and they are waiting to see how his health looks during the offseason workouts. The Jets committed very little money to him so they could let him go with minimal damage to the cap.

Now, how about Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg? It was assumed that they both would be gone, but what if Bridgewater is gone? We may not see both of them gone right away. After all, with 17 or more wide receivers on the roster there must be arms to throw them passes in camp.

The scenario could see Hackenberg gone right away with Bryce staying around as a camp arm. Ultimately Petty could perform well enough to be the clipboard carrying third string quarterback, if Bridgewater doesn’t make the team. All bets are off for both of them if Bridgewater is healthy enough to make the cut.

Next: Reaction to the Darnold pick

This will thicken the drama of the quarterback competition even more. The conventional wisdom among fans will be to get Darnold in the game as soon as he is ready, even if it is week one. The part that will be compelling is the rest of the depth chart, especially if Teddy is not healthy enough to continue on the roster.