The third draft of the Todd Bowles-Mike Maccagnan regime is in the books, and the New York Jets still have a question mark at the most important position -- quarterback.
Two questions, actually.
Short term: Who will be the opening-day starter?
Long term: Is the quarterback of the future on the roster?
The Jets could've tackled the second question by drafting Deshaun Watson or Patrick Mahomes in the first round, but they wisely passed. This wasn't the right time -- or the right quarterback class -- to make such an important investment. The plan is to play out the 2017 season, determining if Christian Hackenberg is the right guy.
It's an open competition, according to Bowles -- and it starts immediately.
Hackenberg versus Josh McCown versus Bryce Petty.
Their combined record as starters over the past two seasons: 2-13.
Bowles said all three will have the opportunity to work with the starting offense during off-season practices, which start May 23. By the start of training camp in late July, he'll have a pecking order.
"That will determine itself in OTAs and the spring, going forward, how we line up in the summer," Bowles said at the conclusion of he draft.
The well-traveled McCown, 37, is the favorite based on his experience. People around the organization say he already has made a positive impact in the building, impressing with his smarts and upbeat attitude. They believe he will be an asset in the quarterback room under new position coach Jeremy Bates.
Petty's status is up in the air because of surgery on his left (non-throwing) shoulder at the end of last season. Bowles said he's hopeful that Petty will be ready for OTAs, but he's not sure.
The big story, though, is Hackenberg -- the mystery man. He didn't take a single snap in 2016, becoming the first quarterback since Brian Brohm (Green Bay Packers, 2008) to be drafted in the first or second round and not play as a rookie.
It would be a stretch to say the Jets gave Hackenberg a vote of confidence by not drafting a quarterback, but it also shows they haven't abandoned hope that he can develop. If he doesn't ... well, they'll be in the quarterback market in the 2018 draft.