AFC Notes: Christian Hackenberg, Jets, Raiders

Christian Hackenberg

Before the Jets traded QB Christian Hackenberg to the Raiders for a conditional 2019 seventh-round pick (NFLTR), he finished Tuesday’s practice without receiving any reps during the team’s 7-on-7 drills.

“It’s out of my control,” Hackenberg said of the lack of reps, via Brian Costello of the New York Post. “All I know is I’m 23 and I have a lot of ball ahead of me. Hell, my career hasn’t even started yet.”

Hackenberg has been working with personal quarterback coach Jeff Christensen to rework his throwing motion and says that he now feels like he has solid fundamentals for the first time in a while.

“For the first time in a long time, right now, I feel that I have a solid foundation from a fundamental standpoint,” Hackenberg said. “The cool thing is it only started about two months ago and it’s only going to keep on getting better and better and better. I’m excited about it.”

Hackenberg added that he doesn’t put the blame on the Jets’ coaching staff for his early struggles.

“I don’t put the blame on anyone,” Hackenberg said. “I think my thing is I’m happy I got the opportunity and someone stepped up outside of me to help me and give me the tools to do it.”

• According to Ian Rapoport, the Raiders won’t release another quarterback in the short-term.
• Rapoport reports that the pick conditions are tied to Hackenberg being on the roster for a certain number of games.
• As for the Hackenberg’s comments on Tuesday, Rapoport says they had nothing to do with the trade.

Jets

• According to Manish Mehta, the Jets did have trade discussions involving Hackenberg with a few teams over the past couple years. However, the Jets were unwilling to move him in the past.

Raiders

• Raiders HC Jon Gruden spoke highly of former first-round CB Gareon Conley on Tuesday: “Conley is special. He was a top pick in the draft for a reason.” (Michael Gehlken)
• Regarding how close S Obi Melifonwu (hip) is to returning, Gruden said: “He doesn’t look close to me at all. I’ll leave it at that. He doesn’t look close to me at all. Haven’t seen much of Obi, except in the training room.” (Michael Gehlken)
• Raiders WR Amari Cooper did not finish first practice of OTAs after tweaking a hamstring. (Michael Gehlken)
• Raiders DE Khalil Mack was not in attendance for the start of Raiders’ voluntary OTAs on Tuesday. (Michael Gehlken)