The suggestion the Jets should hand the keys back to Smith seems absurd, considering his lackluster career stats since being drafted 39th overall in 2013, but New York wide receiver Eric Decker is actually excited by the possibility of Smith taking back the reins.
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“To see him in game-type situations would be exciting, because I feel like his confidence is back,” Decker said (via NJ.com). “He has developed a skill set. I think [from] being with Ryan, he learned to study the game a lot better. So I’ve got confidence in him. I just hope that he keeps pushing himself to learn the game mentally.”
Smith started all 16 games as a rookie and 13 in his second season, but amassed only 25 touchdowns with 34 interceptions in that time. He was replaced by Fitzpatrick in 2015 and made only one appearance, throwing two touchdowns and one interception in a relief effort.
But before moving behind Fitzpatrick on the depth chart, Decker said Smith was “making strides.”
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“I think his mindset is he’s got to bring everything to the table,” Decker said. “He’s got an opportunity right now, and he’s got to make the most of it. So for him, I think the big thing is getting himself in shape, and also the cerebral part.
“We’re watching tape besides working out, and that’s where you can, as quarterback, just totally grow as an individual, learning the system, learning defenses, understanding when to throw on certain routes. I think those things for him, being a younger guy, are very important.”
The Jets own the 20th pick in Thursday night’s first round of the NFL Draft, and with the top two QBs in the draft expected to be gone in the first two picks, drafting another young arm seems unlikely for New York. Add in that the Jets traded up in the fourth round of last year’s draft to take Bryce Petty, and it it makes sense for New York to address other needs if Smith is truly up to the challenge.
