NFL

Best QB on Jets is the one holding clipboard, for now

As the Jets get close to training camp, I am going to examine the roster and give you my top 25 players. Each weekday, we will reveal another person on the list, leading right into camp. I am not including rookies on this list because I do not feel it is possible to fully evaluate them before they play a game.

No. 12: Michael Vick

Last year’s ranking: Unranked (not on team)

Position: Quarterback

Age: 34

How acquired: Signed as a free agent on March 21

Years left on contract: 1

2014 salary cap figure: $4 million

Looking back at 2013: Vick beat out Nick Foles for the starting quarterback job with the Eagles out of training camp, but only started six games before suffering a hamstring injury. When he did get healthy, Foles was rolling and the Eagles stuck with him.

When Vick was on the field, he completed 54.6 percent of his passes for 1,215 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions. He also ran the ball 36 times for 306 yards and two touchdowns.

Outlook for 2014: The Jets brought in Vick to push Geno Smith this year, but not to compete for the job. The organization preaches competition, but it was made clear to Vick and to everyone around the team that the job is Smith’s. The only way Vick wins the job is if Smith completely falls on his face during training camp and the preseason.

Instead, Vick’s role will be to help Smith with Marty Mornhinweg’s system, which Vick knows well from their time together with the Eagles. Then, if Smith plays poorly during the season, Vick could replace him.

Vick’s leadership skills are part of the package.Bill Kostroun

Vick did not look impressive during the OTAs and minicamp practices that were open to the media. He struggled with his accuracy. Now, it’s hard to take too much away from these non-contact practices in shorts, and it is quite possible a veteran like Vick gets bored in that setting.

The true barometer of Vick’s skills at 34 years old will come during training camp and in the preseason games. Vick is no longer the human highlight film he was with the Falcons. He has not had a strong season since 2010 with the Eagles as turnovers and injuries plagued him there.

That being said, he was good enough to beat out Foles last year, and he is not your typical 34-year-old because of the playing time he lost during his suspension from the NFL and his time in prison.

I have Vick ranked higher than Smith in this countdown because I think right now he is still the better quarterback than Smith. He is a natural runner; Smith still seems to have to think about taking off running. Vick’s arm strength is still there, and he has a commanding presence about him that I think would bring out the best in his teammates.

The Jets want to give Smith another chance to see what he can do. It’s understandable because they took him in the second round of last year’s draft. But don’t be shocked if Smith struggles and Vick is the starting quarterback by Halloween.