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Two Rookie Quarterbacks the Jets Could Like in New York

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Jets rookie quarterback target Will Howard, Ohio State

With a new regime set, changes are coming to New Jersey. The hirings of head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey have fans ready for change. Now, they have already given Jets fans a preview. With the Jets moving on from Aaron Rodgers, there’s a new starting quarterback incoming. It’s expected the Jets will shop for a veteran this offseason, ideally through free agency. Even with a bridge quarterback, the team could target a rookie in the draft. While the rookie quarterbacks aren’t the most exciting for the Jets, there are some options. Despite potentially coming in the later portion of the draft, two certain players could help. Even if they amount to a long-term backup, the depth will be good for the quarterback competition. In fact, they could potentially appease star wide receiver Garrett Wilson.

Two Rookie Quarterbacks the Jets Could Like in New York

With the NFL Draft just over two months away, teams have been tirelessly working on draft strategy. Throughout the 2025 draft class, there’s intriguing talent scattered around. Primarily, this year’s class features a strong combination of defensive linemen, wide receivers, safeties, and tight ends. Any of whom could benefit the Jets rebuild quickly. However, outside of Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, no quarterback feels like a first-round option. When considering the teams needing a quarterback like the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, or New York Giants, it’s impossible to see Ward or Sanders on the Jets. Despite trading up being an option, it would be ill-advised for the Jets to move draft capital by trading up for these rookie quarterbacks.

Ideally, the Jets will be picking a rookie quarterback within Day two or three of the draft. Due to the needs along multiple positions like right tackle, tight end, wide receiver, interior defensive line, edge rusher, and safety, it’s best to use their top picks on the best player available. While possessing starting caliber traits, selecting either Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss or Jalen Milroe from Alabama aren’t options with the seventh overall pick. If it were in the second round, it would be fine. However, both will need time to adapt to pro-style offenses. So then what two quarterbacks could the Jets consider?

Could Will Howard make it to the third round?

In a perfect world, the Jets enter the third round of the draft with a starting caliber rookie at a position of need. Potentially, a combination of Mason Graham in the first and Mason Taylor in the second would be two starting rookies at defensive tackle and tight end. Pairing the Michigan lineman next to Quinnen Williams on the interior would be beneficial to the Jets run defense. Meanwhile, LSU tight end Mason Taylor gives New York a stable receiver at tight end similar to Tucker Kraft of the Packers. But what about the rookie quarterbacks?

Will Howard has flashed starting-level upside throughout his college career. Between his Kansas State tenure and his final season at Ohio State, Howard has flashed with his arm and decent athleticism at his size. The 6’4″ 235 lbs will allow him to handle NFL edge rushers. While his ceiling isn’t high for a developmental project, the rookie quarterback turned a corner during the College Football Playoff. During the four-game stretch, Howard completed 75% of his passes for 1150 yards and eight touchdowns with only two interceptions. Although Howard’s been elevated by a great supporting cast and offensive line, it’s still an impressive stretch for a four-game stretch against four top-20 college defenses.

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Additionally, Howard’s recent success with Ohio State could make one player very happy. Former Ohio State Buckeye Garrett Wilson. Since Howard is familiar with Buckeyes wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, Wilson should help Howard’s transition into the league as a veteran mentor. Plus, quarterbacks coach Charles London is familiar with Ohio State players after spending two seasons with Jaxson Smith-Njigba on the Seattle Seahawks. Between his time at Ohio State and his abilities as a rusher to help Breece Hall on RPO, Will Howard would be a great fit for the Jets.

Can Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord be an option?

Speaking of former Ohio State quarterbacks, Kyle McCord is another appealing option. McCord had large shoes to fill for the Buckeyes. Replacing Houston Texans‘s second-overall pick CJ Stroud. Despite leading Ohio State to an 11-1 record, McCord struggled at times and lost to future Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines. Eventually, McCord made the move to Syracuse. His season in upstate was a success. McCord led the NCAA in passing with 4,779 yards setting an ACC conference record. He also completed 66% of his passes and threw 34 touchdowns to only 12 interceptions, five of which came from a single game against Pittsburgh.

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When examining his profile, McCord has limited upside due to his lack of mobility. But, he’s got one of the best arms in the class and has demonstrated better pocket awareness this year. Should he play as a rookie, the right offensive coordinator could protect the quarterback. With Tanner Engstrand, the Jets will need a quarterback who can throw down the field if he wants to bring out the explosiveness in the passing game. As well as Charles London too in helping his development. With his arm strength, McCord should be up to the task. Also, Garrett Wilson might appreciate seeing his old backup quarterback. Garrett Wilson spoke glowingly about McCord in the past. Perhaps these former teammates can reignite that chemistry again.

Main Photo: [Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch] – USA Today Sports

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