Has CJ Carr replaced Arch Manning as the Jets' projected 2027 quarterback?

Fall in the tri-state area means hoodies, that extra-hot morning coffee, and wondering which quarterback the New York Jets plan to pick in next spring’s draft. 

The 2-3 Jets might not be waving the white flag on their season, though that won’t interfere with the tradition of linking them to quarterback prospects. Pundits have officially retired the “way-too-early” mocks to instead release their “actual” draft predictions. 

Pro Football Focus agrees the Jets will likely use one of their three first-round picks on a quarterback, but the man(ning) in question isn’t everyone’s favorite Texas Longhorn. The often-divisive service mocked Notre Dame’s CJ Carr to Gang Green at No. 9 — and for once, we don’t think PFF has lost the plot. 

New York Jets fans must get acquainted with Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr

But wait, you say. What about Arch Manning? To their credit, PFF omitted the former five-star recruit amid growing speculation that he could return to school to boost his stock as a redshirt senior. 

Carr has taken a massive leap forward as a redshirt sophomore, completing 70.8 percent of his passes for 1.378 yards, 16 touchdowns, and an interception through six games. He won’t beat you with his legs, though that might not matter as the hype around dual-threat quarterbacks diminishes. 

Our question is whether he’d even fall to the Jets at No. 9, because rumors are mounting about the 0-5 Dolphins targeting a quarterback. We’ll leave the Carr vs. Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker evaluation to the “experts,” though. 

Geno Smith has provided much-needed stability and competence at quarterback, and he still hasn’t thrown an interception. Even if he returns for the 2027 season, he’d be either a stopgap starter or the likely No. 2, though that opens a separate conversation about Cade Klubnik. 

Carr intrigues us for two specific reasons: first, he’s not Manning or Dante Moore. Respectfully, we’re staying far away from Moore after his recent concussion; when a quarterback misses multiple games after a head injury, that’s a sign to avoid him at all costs. 

Not enough people are talking about Carr being what’s now considered an “old-school” prospect. He’s stayed at the same school for three years, and he’s on track to declare as a third-year sophomore. The transfer portal, NIL, and the NCAA’s lack of leadership have allowed quarterbacks to spend five or six years in college. 

We value continuity, and he’s handled himself against immensely talented Power 4 programs the last two years. This isn’t an instance of a quarterback putting up high yardage and interception totals because he plays in an Air Raid-type offense. 

If you missed out on Carr, he and Notre Dame play No. 8 BYU this coming Saturday. Talk about an opportunity to win over Jets fans.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow