4 NFL Draft prospects Jets fans must watch in college football Week 0

Even though general manager Darren Mougey and the New York Jets have their eyes set on the 2026 regular season, the scouting department will be hard at work trying to find studs from the 2027 NFL Draft class.

While a need for a franchise quarterback will dictate most of Mougey's offseason negotiations, there's no such thing as having too many qualified offensive linemen and pass-catchers on offense.

With what has unofficially been dubbed "Week 0" of college football getting started this weekend, Jets fans who wish to double as scouts should keep an eye on these four possible future Jets.

4 players Jets fans should watch in College Football Week 0

4. Niki Prongos, OT, Stanford (vs. Hawaii)

The Jets' offensive tackle duo might be set if Olu Fashanu thrives, but Prongos has guard experience to go along with his 6-foot-7 frame. Even though he didn't start playing football until his senior year of high school, Prongos has developed into an intriguing prospect at both UCLA and Stanford due to his great athleticism for someone as big as he is.

Prongos needs to show that he has improved his play strength, but if he has made the improvements, a player Frank Reich coached in Palo Alto in 2025 could reunite with him in Florham Park.

3. CJ Bailey, QB, North Carolina State (vs. Virginia)

Every year, one quarterback prospect rises from the mid-round ranks and becomes viewed as a high-end prospect. Bailey has all the tools needed to be that guy in 2026. There are some concerns around the 6-foot-6 Bailey, namely his rail-thin frame at barely over 200 pounds, limited playmaking out of structure, and propensity to force the ball into tight windows.

Bailey completed 69% of his passes last season, throwing for 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has a whip-like arm, a willingness to challenge defenses deep, and has played his best against the best in the ACC.

2. Duce Robinson, WR, Florida State (vs. New Mexico State)

Robinson may be listed as a wide receiver, but that's a nominal designation. Robinson is 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, and he knows how to use his size to great effect as a possession receiver. With 1,000 yards last year despite some middling quarterback production, Robinson's size was overwhelming for opposing defensive backs.

The Jets may end up with another tight end if they take Robinson, as concerns about his speed and quickness at the line have led some to wonder if a conversion to tight end might be the better move.

1. Jayden Maiava, QB, USC (vs. San Jose State)

Maiava had a very good shot at being a top-50 pick had he declared for the NFL Draft last year, and he is still projected to be taken high again if he thrives in Lincoln Riley's offense once more. Maiava could be a first-round target for the Jets, even if they end up picking in the middle of the first round rather than the Top 10.

Maiava has pinpoint deep accuracy and can throw a ball through a wall when protected, but he needs to show the Jets that he can cut down on the turnovers if he is going to be billed as the team's next franchise quarterback.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow