Coffee with the Jets: Mock has quarterback in 1st Round

The New York Jets need a quarterback. Badly. It’s just a simple fact at this point. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Bryce Petty aren’t the answers. There is no reason to think Christian Hackenberg is ready to take over (or might ever be ready). This franchise is never going to get out of the Patriots’ shadow until they solve their QB dilemma.

In addition to Wilkerson struggling, so did Richardson. With some issues off the field and in the locker room, Richardson’s future in New York doesn’t look bright. Despite disappointing seasons from Wilkerson and Richardson, second-year defensive end Leonard Williams was able to have a good season.

Not all tackles are created equal. A tackle to stop a play for no gain is different from one where the runner drags the defender 5 yards before going down. Similarly, a tackle by a cornerback after a completion to allow a first down is different from a third down stop.

Saints wide receivers coach John Morton also is on the Jets’ radar. In fact, he already has interviewed for the position, ESPN Saints reporter Mike Triplett reported on Tuesday. Morton was an offensive coordinator at USC and has worked under two highly-regarded offensive minds, Sean Payton (Saints) and Jim Harbaugh (49ers).

There was a Quinn-Bowles debate at One Jets Drive during the hiring process. Both candidates impressed in their first interviews, but timing became a huge factor for the Jets. Bowles was available immediately while Quinn’s team — the Seahawks — was still involved in the playoffs.

“It’s really the most unique football experience in the country because you’re really merging. It’s where the two worlds of football collide — college and pro,” said Phil Savage, the Senior Bowl’s executive director. “And we want to be seen as the ultimate bridge from college to the NFL.”