NY Jets' draft plans could be altered by Jaxson Dart's surprising decision

The New York Jets may not be expected to target a quarterback early in the 2025 NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be affected by how the position group shakes out.

This year’s quarterback class is widely seen as one of the weaker crops in recent memory, with limited projected first-round talent beyond the likes of Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders.

One name whose stock appears to be sliding is Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. On Friday, Dart officially withdrew from the NFL’s invite list for this year’s draft event in Green Bay, a surprising development that suggests he no longer expects to be selected in the first round.

That decision could alter the draft outlook for a number of teams, the Jets included. Though it may not seem obvious, Dart's decision — and more importantly, his falling stock — does impact the Jets, even if indirectly.

Jaxson Dart's sliding stock could impact the NY Jets' draft plans

The Jets could consider trading down from their No. 7 overall pick, especially if a quarterback-needy team is aggressive and looking to move up. Teams like the New Orleans Saints or Pittsburgh Steelers, both searching for long-term answers at quarterback, were logical trade-up candidates in that scenario.

That strategy largely depended on demand, and more specifically, on quarterback options being available in that range. If multiple QBs were expected to go early, it could create a mini bidding war for a player like Dart.

But his surprising decision to skip the draft might be the first sign that teams aren’t viewing him as a legitimate first-round option. Instead of eyeing a potential top-10 selection, Dart may now be sliding into the second round or even later.

That shift could have ripple effects on the teams behind the Jets, and by extension, the Jets themselves. Without that expected quarterback demand, the Jets' ability to field competitive trade offers may take a hit.

Dart may not have been a target for them, but a steep slide down the board changes the dynamics around pick No. 7, and possibly, the Jets' entire first-round approach.

If Dart’s slide is as significant as some believe, it’s not out of the question that he could even become a Day 2 target for the Jets. While the organization has publicly committed to Justin Fields as their starter in 2025, they could still be in the market for a developmental quarterback.

Dart becomes a much more intriguing prospect if he's available at pick No. 42 in the second round or even pick No. 73 in the third. If he’s still available in the third round or later, the Jets could view him as a high-upside flyer to stash and develop alongside Fields and Tyrod Taylor.

Dart’s draft-day decision might seem like a small ripple, but it could carry real implications for the Jets. Whether it limits their trade-down options or opens the door for a Day 2 flyer, his potential slide is worth keeping an eye on.

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