NFL executive warns Jets may regret passing on Jalen Milroe in NFL Draft

The NY Jets earned tons of praise for their 2025 NFL Draft class, which included right tackle Armand Membou and tight end Mason Taylor in the second round. Some around the league wondered if picking a quarterback like Alabama's Jalen Milroe would have been worth the capital.

Milroe eventually was picked late in the third round by the Seattle Seahawks, with Mike Macdonald eyeing him as a high-ceiling backup for Sam Darnold. This is a wise strategy, one that some believe the Jets may have been better off adopting due to their quarterback situation.

Per Mike Sando of The Athletic, one NFL executive out there believes that the Jets should have picked Milroe, possibly over third-round cornerback Azareye'h Thomas. Having signed Justin Fields in the offseason and seemingly gearing their offensive attack to a run-heavy approach, this executive believes Milroe could have been a worthwhile addition to the mix.

I thought the Jets should have been in play for Jalen Milroe,” the executive said. “They draft Membou, so they are prioritizing the line of scrimmage a second year in a row. They are going to be a clear running threat with Justin Fields, but when you play that way, you open him up to potential injury. Milroe would let them continue playing that style,

NFL executive says Jets should have picked Jalen Milroe in NFL Draft

The Jets are clearly setting themselves up for a look at the 2026 NFL Draft as it pertains to their quarterback room. New York figures to be hanging around the Arch Manning sweepstakes, though Penn State's Drew Allar or South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers will generate some interest.

However, if the Jets are as in on Fields as they say they are, putting Milroe behind him could give them a perfect backup plan in case he gets hurt. Milroe could either have taken over for Fields in 2025 if he faltered or given them a high-end backup that could provide even more security.

Milroe brings great (not just good) athleticism to the table, along with a rocket arm and some surprising deep ball accuracy. The lack of precise pocket ball placement from Fields didn't seem to worry the Jets when they signed him, which could have led them to Milroe at some point in the Draft.

The Jets may reboot at quarterback later, as it appears that they are more than set with Fields and Tyrod Taylor under center.