Bryce Petty was selected with the New York Jets’ fourth-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, and has quite a bit of potential for the future. He isn’t expected to compete for the starting job this year, although that could change now that Geno Smith will miss a good chunk of the season due to a broken jaw. Ryan Fitzpatrick is currently penciled in as the starter, but Petty is hoping to make an impact in the next three preseason games to prove that he can play.
He will have his next chance to prove that he’s ready to play at an NFL level tonight against the Atlanta Falcons in the Jets’ second preseason game.
Last week against the Detroit Lions, Petty ended up completing 10 of his 18 passing attempts for 50 yards. He didn’t take too many shots down the field and ended up averaging just 2.8 yards per completion, but there is plenty more potential for him to grow into over the next couple weeks.
At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Petty is the ideal size for an NFL quarterback. His physical abilities are exactly where they need to be for him to become a starting quarterback, but learning the mental side of the game is extremely difficult for a young quarterback. That is what preseason action is all about, and if he can grow each week there is nothing holding him back from competing for the starting job.
Head coach Todd Bowles is beginning a new era of football for the Jets, and he needs to figure out who is going to be his franchise leader under center long-term. Fitzpatrick certainly isn’t that guy, while Petty has a chance to end up being that type of player for them. Despite that fact, the Jets obviously feel that they can compete for a playoff spot this season.
Making an impact tonight against the Falcons is an absolute must for the young quarterback out of Baylor. It is going to take a lot for Bowles to take a leap of faith and give Petty the chance to be a starter this year.
New York has put together quite a few weapons for whoever starts at quarterback. Brandon Marshall was acquired from the Chicago Bears this past offseason, and they also have Eric Decker as the number two receiver. Chris Ivory is a very underrated running back as well to take pressure off of the aerial attack.
All of that being said, there is a very long shot for Petty to start at quarterback in Week 1. The work that he is putting in now is more than likely to pay off later on in the season if Fitzpatrick gets off to a slow start in the regular season.
Petty definitely has the potential to become a very solid starting quarterback in the next few seasons. If he can get off to a quick start and put up big numbers throughout the rest of the preseason, he could see some legitimate playing time as a rookie. That would be a huge step for his NFL future, and Bowles won’t turn him away if Petty can prove his ability.
