Should the New York Jets draft a quarterback?
That is one of the most polarizing questions around the NFL going into the 2025 draft.
Much of that debate revolves around the idea of New York selecting a quarterback in the first round. Reportedly, there is “love” within the Jets’ building for Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart as a potential first-round pick.
While I don’t believe the Jets should take a quarterback in the first two rounds, it would make sense to take a flier on one between rounds three and seven. Adding a developmental quarterback to compete in camp and the preseason is a low-risk, high-reward move that could help shape the franchise’s future.
Here are three late-round quarterbacks Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey could target.
3. Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Milroe, 22, spent all four of his collegiate seasons with Alabama but sat behind Bryce Young for his first two seasons before taking over as a starter in 2023.
In 2023, Milroe completed 65.8% of his passes for 2,834 yards and 23 touchdowns with six interceptions. The dual-threat quarterback also picked up 531 yards with his legs and ran for 12 touchdowns on 161 attempts.
This past season, the 22-year-old completed 64.3% of his pass attempts for 2,844 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Milroe also had an impressive season on the ground, ripping off 726 yards and 20 touchdowns on 168 rushing attempts.
In my eyes, Milroe is the most athletic quarterback in this year’s draft class and has the highest ceiling of any quarterback, but he also has one of the lowest floors.
The speedster clocked a 4.40 forty-yard dash at Alabama’s pro day, which is tied for the third-fastest time a quarterback has recorded in NFL testing history; only Michael Vick (4.33) and Lamar Jackson (4.34) were faster.
However, Milroe needs development as a passer, specifically in terms of ball security and accuracy. In 2024, his 11 interceptions were tied for the fourth-most in the SEC despite ranking seventh in pass attempts. He also ranked just 53rd out of 128 qualified FBS quarterbacks with a 72.6% adjusted completion percentage.
Milroe could be a solid developmental option for the Jets because he would not need to step into a starting role immediately. He would have time to sit behind Justin Fields and learn from a veteran signal-caller in Tyrod Taylor.
2. Kyle McCord, Syracuse
McCord, 22, initially committed to Ohio State University, where he spent three seasons and appeared in 24 games. He completed 66.5% of his passes for 3,776 yards, 27 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
McCord, who grew up a Jets fan and wears No. 6 because of Mark Sanchez, transferred to Syracuse, where he spent the 2024 season. He compiled a 66% completion rate while leading the FBS in passing yards (4,779) and throwing 34 touchdowns to 12 interceptions.
In 2024, the 22-year-old was among only 10 players to earn a Heisman vote.
While McCord lacks elite arm strength and athleticism, he is known for his calm pocket presence, solid throwing mechanics, accuracy, and excellent ball placement.
McCord reminds me of Lions quarterback Jared Goff. If Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand sees the same, I am confident he will push for McCord after working with Goff on Detroit’s coaching staff from 2021-24.
While McCord’s ceiling is lower than Milroe’s, his floor is significantly higher, lowering the pick’s overall risk.
1. Will Howard, Ohio State
Howard, 23, spent his first four collegiate seasons at Kansas State, playing in 34 games. He completed 58.8% of his passes for 5,786 yards, 48 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions.
During his time with Kansas State, Howard also made plays with his legs, taking off for 921 yards and 19 touchdowns on 226 attempts.
The Pennsylvania native then transferred to Ohio State for his final college season, where he made his name known. He led OSU to a national championship and a 14-2 overall record.
Howard finished the 2024 season with the second-highest completion rate in the FBS (73%), trailing only Shedeur Sanders, while throwing for 4,010 yards with 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
The 23-year-old also had a solid rushing season, recording 226 rushing yards with six touchdowns on 105 attempts.
Howard is known for his above-average arm strength and ability to make throws inside and outside the pocket. He has great size (6-foot-4, 236 pounds), while displaying solid athleticism and mobility for his frame. Plus, the Ohio State product is highly experienced, logging over 1,200 college dropbacks.
Howard is my favorite developmental quarterback in this year’s draft due to his accuracy, athleticism, experience, and proven track record as a winner – all key traits that quarterbacks need to succeed at the NFL level.
