While it seems unlikely the New York Jets will use the No. 7 overall pick on a quarterback, do not rule out the possibility of trading back or moving up later in the first round to get their guy.
On the “Flight Deck Podcast,” ESPN’s Rich Cimini said the buzz between the Jets and quarterback Jaxson Dart is “real.” However, he does not see it happening at No. 7, although a trade back or a move back into the first round to select the Ole Miss product remains a possibility.
“I just don’t know if it’s [buzz] real enough to take him at [No.] 7 [overall],” said Cimini. ‘Maybe in a trade down situation [or] maybe trading up from [No.] 42 in the second round, but I’d be surprised if they pull the trigger there at 7.”
The 21-year-old passer is one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2025 draft class. His film features some intriguing positives that give him a high ceiling, but also many concerns that lower his floor. However, as Jets X-Factor’s Robby Sabo put it in his film review of Dart, “The most critical thing [on Dart’s film] was spotting the clear examples of the attributes that translate well to the NFL.”
If Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn strongly believe Dart is their quarterback of the future, they should draft him. The Jets’ signing of quarterback Justin Fields to a two-year deal with $30 million guaranteed should not repel the new regime from selecting Dart in this year’s draft if they believe he is the long-term answer under center.
Fields’ contract offers financial flexibility, ranking 26th among quarterbacks in guaranteed money. The 26-year-old has yet to establish himself as a top-tier quarterback, and Mougey is betting solely on his potential. The Jets still need a long-term answer, and Cimini believes the Jets view Dart as a potential fit.
