Rumors of the New York Jets’ interest in drafting a quarterback continue to swirl.
According to SportsKeeda’s Tony Pauline, Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand attended Louisville’s pro day on Tuesday. Considering quarterback Tyler Shough is the most coveted offensive prospect coming out of Louisville in this year’s class, the news fueled speculation that the Jets are interested in Shough.
Shough, a former four-star recruit, initially committed to Oregon, where he spent his first three collegiate seasons (2018-20).
Across his three seasons at Oregon, Shough appeared in 15 total games, completing 64.8% of his pass attempts for 1,703 yards, 16 touchdowns, and six interceptions while picking up 282 yards and two touchdowns on the ground over 68 rushing attempts.
Shough then transferred to Texas Tech, where he spent another three seasons (2021-23). He appeared in 15 games and compiled a 62.4% completion rate for 2,922 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, also ripping off 432 yards and eight touchdowns with his legs on 136 rushing attempts.
Shough transferred a third time ahead of the 2024 season, where he played his seventh collegiate season for Louisville. Playing in 12 games, the Arizona native had his best season, completing 62.7% of his passes for career-highs of 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns while only throwing six interceptions. He led the Cardinals to ninth in the nation in scoring with 36.5 points per game.
Shough’s injury history throughout his collegiate career was absolutely brutal. He broke his collarbone in 2021, injured his shoulder in 2022, and broke his fibula in 2023.
Because of his age and injury history, the 6-foot-5, 219-pound quarterback is projected as a mid-round draft pick. He ranks 98th on NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board as of Wednesday. However, Shough’s stock is quickly rising; he ranked 288th as recently as February 1.
Despite inking Justin Fields to a two-year contract in free agency, Darren Mougey could absolutely still select a quarterback in this year’s draft. The Louisville product would be an intriguing late-round flier for the Jets.
