When former Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg was drafted in the second round by the New York Jets, it raised some eyebrows.

Hackenberg, based on his up-and-down final two years in State College, is considered a project. The Jets, on the other hand, are still without a reliable option at quarterback in 2016. Ryan Fitzpatrick led the Jets to a 10-6 record last year, but he’s at a stalemate in negotiations for a new contract.

When Hackenberg’s name came across the board that early, it caught former Minnesota star and current Jets receiver Eric Decker off guard.

“I was a little surprised, to be honest with you,” Decker told ESPN at a charity event in Manhattan, where he was honored by the United Way of New York City. “But Mike [Maccagnan, the general manager] and his scouts do their research and homework for a reason and they saw something special with him. I guess they wanted him earlier than later.”

RELATED: VIDEO: The moment Christian Hackenberg became a Jet

Not to read too far into that, but it doesn’t sound like Decker had Hackenberg pegged as the Jets’ quarterback of the future. The 29-year-old wideout might not be too focused on the quarterback of the future, either.

Playing alongside Brandon Marshall, Fitzpatrick threw for just shy of 4,000 yards and 31 touchdowns. They also added Pro Bowl tailback Matt Forte to their veteran core.

Naturally, Decker wants Fitzpatrick back in New York,. He isn’t on board with the idea of a rookie running the show.

“It’s a team that’s ready to win now, and we need someone with a veteran presence at the quarterback position,” Decker said. “My job is to catch the ball, but obviously, I want what’s best for the team — and that relationship I want as well.”

Decker averaged over 80 catches, 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in his last four seasons, two of which were with the Jets. Perhaps the strong comments from him will push the Jets to ramp up their offer for Fitzpatrick.

If they don’t, it might be sooner rather than later before Jet fans are calling for Hackenberg.