Could the Jets be targeting a quarterback with their first-round pick?

A university representative told Jets Wire that New York was awfully well represented at Michigan State’s Pro Day March 16th. The team sent quarterbacks coach Kevin Patullo, along with three scouts, to East Lansing to watch QB Connor Cook, among others, workout.

Cook, a senior, has spent the better part of the last four years developing himself into one of the better college quarterbacks in the nation. Standing 6-4 and weighing 220 pounds, Cook has the size, along with the talent, that are a coach’s dream combination.

During his tenure at Michigan State, Cook threw for 9,194 yards and 71 touchdowns. His best season was also his last lining up under center. In 2015, the quarterback threw for 3,131 yards with 24 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.

NFL.com had the following to say about Cook in their draft profile:

As a four-year starter, Cook has the big game experience and the production from a pro-­style attack that should warrant early consideration.The concern is that his short and intermediate accuracy has never shown the improvement and consistency that scouts expected to see. His inability to take over in big games this year could hurt his cause. Cook flashes the potential of an NFL starter, but he has the makeup of game manager over playmaker.

As things stand right now, the Jets have only Geno Smith and Bryce Petty under contract entering next season. Last year’s starter, Ryan Fitzpatrick, is the midst of an ugly contract negotiation with the team, and even if he were to return, the Jets are reportedly looking for their “quarterback of the future.”

While Smith, or Petty, could each be that player, if the Jets think highly enough of Cook, they may not want to pass on him in the upcoming NFL Draft.

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Connor Hughes is the New York Jets beat writer for the USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties. He can be reached on Twitter (@Connor_J_Hughes), or via email (chughes@usatoday.com)