The Jets have their starting quarterback for the 2025 season after signing Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract earlier this month.
However, it remains to be seen if Fields is the long-term solution under center for a Jets team searching for a franchise quarterback for the past 15 years.
Because of that, the Jets could be in the market for a quarterback in next month’s NFL Draft. Gang Green will select seventh overall, but it is probably unlikely to draft a quarterback in the first round.
After the first wave of free agency, the Jets still need help at various positions, including right tackle, tight end and wide receiver. They could also use help at defensive tackle and safety.
While the 2025 NFL Draft isn’t the most talented regarding the quarterback position, there could be a few players the Jets could target as late-round developmental players.
QUINN EWERS, TEXAS
Texas’ pro day was on Tuesday, and Jets head coach Aaron Glenn was among the many in attendance to see the Longhorns’ top prospects.
Among those were Ewers, for whom draft experts have various opinions. He has been predicted to land anywhere from the second to the fourth round. ESPN’s Mel Kiper ranked Ewers the ninth-best available quarterback.
But Ewers might have improved his draft stock after his pro day performance. He completed 50 of 59 passing attempts on the day, with five incompletions and four drops, according to the Dallas Cowboys’ official website.
During his time at Texas, Ewers showed flashes of having the potential to be an elite starting quarterback at the NFL level. He has shown he can be an accurate passer in the short, intermediate and deep passing game.
However, Ewers lacked consistency in the passing game, especially in pressure situations. He also lacks patience and can lock onto his first read, which has led to interceptions and turnovers.
In 14 games for the Longhorns last season, Ewers passed for 3,472 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. With Fields in place and Tyrod Taylor as the Jets’ backup, Ewers wouldn’t be quickly thrust into action, allowing him to sit and learn and possibly become a starting quarterback down the line.
KYLE MCCORD, SYRACUSE
Another player who could be on the Jets’ radar is McCord, who had an excellent season after transferring from Ohio State to Syracuse last year. He finished with 4,779 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, helping Syracuse finish with a 10-3 record.
McCord has the potential to be a starting quarterback with his accuracy and ball placement. He has the talent to make most NFL throws and to put them in tight windows.
One of the knocks on McCord is that he has average athleticism, which limits the plays he can make outside of the pocket. He also tends to turn the ball over, like in Syracuse’s loss against Pittsburgh, in which McCord threw five interceptions.
If Jets quarterbacks coach Charles London and passing game coordinator Scott Turner can rein in his negative plays, McCord could be a Day 3 steal.
WILL HOWARD, OHIO STATE
After transferring from Kansas State to Ohio State, Howard led the Buckeyes to a national championship after a stellar season. He passed for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
At 6-4, 236 pounds, Howard is of excellent size and can deliver accurate passes to his receivers. When pass rushers are closing in on him, Howard also works off schedule and throws the ball in tight windows down the field.
Like McCord, Howard has questionable decision-making skills, which can get him into trouble. Although he improved his downfield accuracy at Ohio State, Howard will need to be more careful at the NFL level with faster and more skilled defenders.
Howard is projected to be a Day 3 pick.
RILEY LEONARD, NOTRE DAME
One of the more intriguing prospects is Leonard because of his athleticism and mobility. He is a genuine dual threat in every sense of the definition. He rushed for 906 yards and 17 touchdowns.
When pass rushers threaten him, Leonard can escape and create big plays with his legs. He can also extend pass plays with his legs while keeping his eyes down the field for possible explosive plays.
In 16 games for the Fighting Irish, Leonard passed for 2,861 yards, 21 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Leonard gets into trouble because of his lack of accuracy when pressure reaches him in the pocket. He also has an average arm, which isn’t always conducive to his style of play when he goes off-platform on his throws. Leonard has been predicted to be drafted anywhere from the third to the fifth round.
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