The New York Jets finally have rookie quarterback Sam Darnold in training camp after coming to terms on his rookie contract. But after missing the first few practices, the No. 3 overall pick in the draft now finds himself third in the Jets’ quarterback depth chart, lagging behind Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater.

But in former Jets head coach Rex Ryan’s opinion, Darnold should still be named the Jets’ starting QB for Week 1.

“If the kid is ready, play him,” Ryan said per Rich Cimini of ESPN. “Why would you stunt his growth?”

Ryan was in charge of the Jets in 2009 when they drafted rookie Mark Sanchez, who, like Darnold, was a highly-touted high draft pick out of USC. Ryan picked Sanchez to start right away and believes current Jets coach Todd Bowles will do the same.

“I have a feeling the rookie will start, in my opinion, from Day 1,” Ryan said. “I would be shocked if he doesn't start.”

Of course, it remains to be seen whether Darnold actually is ready to play right away. But if Darnold does prove he’s capable of performing at a competent level, it’s hard to argue with Ryan’s premise that the rookie should be the starter.

After all, the Jets paid such a huge price to trade up in the draft and take a quarterback. It doesn’t also make sense for the Jets’ long-term future to start McCown or Bridgewater ahead of Darnold even if they do perform better than the rookie. It’s a different story if Darnold plays disastrously. But if not, then they might as well throw him out there and see what their supposed franchise quarterback can do.