The Jets have their beginning quarterback for the 2025 season after signing Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract earlier this month.
Nevertheless, it stays to be seen if Fields is the long-term resolution below heart for a Jets staff looking for a franchise quarterback for the previous 15 years.
Due to that, the Jets could possibly be available in the market for a quarterback in subsequent month’s NFL Draft. Gang Inexperienced will choose seventh total, however it’s in all probability unlikely to draft a quarterback within the first spherical.
After the primary wave of free company, the Jets nonetheless need assistance at numerous positions, together with proper sort out, tight finish and extensive receiver. They may additionally use assist at defensive sort out and security.
Whereas the 2025 NFL Draft isn’t probably the most proficient relating to the quarterback place, there could possibly be a couple of gamers the Jets might goal as late-round developmental gamers.
QUINN EWERS, TEXAS
Texas’ professional day was on Tuesday, and Jets head coach Aaron Glenn was among the many many in attendance to see the Longhorns’ high prospects.
Amongst these have been Ewers, for whom draft consultants have numerous opinions. He has been predicted to land anyplace from the second to the fourth spherical. ESPN’s Mel Kiper ranked Ewers the ninth-best accessible quarterback.
However Ewers might need improved his draft inventory after his professional day efficiency. He accomplished 50 of 59 passing makes an attempt on the day, with 5 incompletions and 4 drops, in accordance with the Dallas Cowboys’ official web site.
Throughout his time at Texas, Ewers confirmed flashes of getting the potential to be an elite beginning quarterback on the NFL degree. He has proven he may be an correct passer within the brief, intermediate and deep passing sport.
Nevertheless, Ewers lacked consistency within the passing sport, particularly in stress conditions. He additionally lacks endurance and may lock onto his first learn, which has led to interceptions and turnovers.
In 14 video games for the Longhorns final season, Ewers handed for 3,472 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. With Fields in place and Tyrod Taylor because the Jets’ backup, Ewers wouldn’t be shortly thrust into motion, permitting him to sit down and be taught and presumably change into a beginning quarterback down the road.
KYLE MCCORD, SYRACUSE
One other participant who could possibly be on the Jets’ radar is McCord, who had a wonderful season after transferring from Ohio State to Syracuse final 12 months. He completed with 4,779 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, serving to Syracuse end with a 10-3 document.
McCord has the potential to be a beginning quarterback along with his accuracy and ball placement. He has the expertise to make most NFL throws and to place them in tight home windows.
One of many knocks on McCord is that he has common athleticism, which limits the performs he could make exterior of the pocket. He additionally tends to show the ball over, like in Syracuse’s loss in opposition to Pittsburgh, by which McCord threw 5 interceptions.
If Jets quarterbacks coach Charles London and passing sport coordinator Scott Turner can rein in his destructive performs, McCord could possibly be a Day 3 steal.
WILL HOWARD, OHIO STATE
After transferring from Kansas State to Ohio State, Howard led the Buckeyes to a nationwide championship after a stellar season. He handed for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
At 6-4, 236 kilos, Howard is of fantastic measurement and may ship correct passes to his receivers. When move rushers are closing in on him, Howard additionally works off schedule and throws the ball in tight home windows down the sphere.
Like McCord, Howard has questionable decision-making abilities, which may get him into hassle. Though he improved his downfield accuracy at Ohio State, Howard will must be extra cautious on the NFL degree with sooner and extra expert defenders.
Howard is projected to be a Day 3 decide.
RILEY LEONARD, NOTRE DAME
One of many extra intriguing prospects is Leonard due to his athleticism and mobility. He’s a real twin menace in each sense of the definition. He rushed for 906 yards and 17 touchdowns.
When move rushers threaten him, Leonard can escape and create large performs along with his legs. He can even prolong move performs along with his legs whereas maintaining his eyes down the sphere for attainable explosive performs.
In 16 video games for the Combating Irish, Leonard handed for two,861 yards, 21 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Leonard will get into hassle due to his lack of accuracy when stress reaches him within the pocket. He additionally has a mean arm, which isn’t all the time conducive to his fashion of play when he goes off-platform on his throws. Leonard has been predicted to be drafted anyplace from the third to the fifth spherical.
Initially Printed: March 26, 2025 at 11:32 AM EDT