We’re two weeks away from the New York Jets and 31 other teams building out their young cores through the NFL draft.

For the most part, analysts and fans understand several of the primary spots the Jets will try to address. They have clear needs at edge rusher and wide receiver, first and foremost.

One position people can’t seem to agree on, though, is quarterback.

Despite New York having a clear need for a long-term answer at the position, the 2026 class isn’t strong enough to offer an obvious solution for the Jets. Outside of the expected top overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, there isn’t a quarterback expected to be worthy of a top-10 pick. There may not even be another chosen in the first round.

That leaves the Jets in a difficult position. Do they still draft a quarterback to try to develop, even if it is considered a “reach”? Or do they punt the issue to 2027?

Draft prospects

The 2026 quarterback class is a polarizing group for several reasons. First off, there is no “can’t miss” signal-caller to throw the kitchen sink at. Even Mendoza, for as special a 2025 season as the Heisman Trophy winner had, has clear concerns as he prepares for the NFL level.

Two passers in particular have questions that both excite and alarm some of the scouts around the league.

Ty Simpson

The word on Simpson is quite simple. Last season was his first as a starter, and at times, he carried Alabama’s offense through some of the worst pass-protection and drop issues in the country.

However, the final month of the season left much to be desired, although he was battling through injuries. There was a lot to like from his entire body of work. Still, his lack of starts is expected to scare several teams.

“I don’t think anyone expects him to come in right away and be great,” an AFC executive told ESPN. “If picked in the 20s, he’ll get experience and reps and get legs under him. He’s a good kid, a coach’s kid, had a lot of good production and success. Maybe not on the same tier as top guys, but he’s still a player.”

If a team wants to take a flier on Simpson, they’ll like the NFL-ready throws he flashed throughout last season, especially early on. Those teams must also be willing to allow the 23-year-old to develop on the sidelines, though.

That’s something the Jets may not be willing to deal with.

Drew Allar

Had he come out last season, the Penn State signal-caller may have been a top pick in an overall weak quarterback class. Drew Allar’s size and arm strength are traits that many NFL teams are excited about.

But after an injury-plagued and loss-filled 2025 season, Allar’s draft stock has taken a major dive. He’s still a player many quarterback-needy teams would want to take a flier on, but it won’t be in the first round.

It may not even be on the second day, either.

That doesn’t mean the NFL is deterred by his deficiencies.

“He’s my favorite quarterback in the draft outside of Mendoza,” an NFL coordinator said to ESPN. “In the right system, he can be great. He’s got everything as far as tools. His footwork is an absolute mess. But improve his footwork and he can take off. He deserved better than what he got at Penn State.”

Allar’s intangibles are the kind that the Jets should be willing to take a flier on later in the 2026 draft. He won’t be asked to start any games during his rookie season, but a year learning behind a veteran bridge option could be huge for his chances to do so later on.