One QB prospect has become a painfully obvious NY Jets draft target

The New York Jets should feel no pressure to add a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. The signing of Justin Fields has given the Jets a competent, high-upside bridge starter to pair with veteran Tyrod Taylor in the team's new-look quarterback room.

Given how weak this year's quarterback class appears at first glance, the Jets might be better off passing on the position, addressing other key needs, and waiting until 2026 or 2027 to find their hopeful long-term solution. The value just isn't there.

The Jets have been linked to Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart and Syracuse's Kyle McCord in recent weeks, but neither seems like an ideal fit. That’s especially true for Dart, who shouldn’t even be in consideration at No. 7 overall.

If the Jets are going to target a quarterback at some point in this year's draft, however, one name stands out as a painfully obvious target. That player is Alabama's Jalen Milroe.

Jalen Milroe has become an obvious NY Jets draft target

The addition of Fields signals a change in identity for the Jets' offense entering 2025. New offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand will be tasked with putting together an offensive system that emphasizes and maximizes Fields' athleticism and rushing abilities while masking his deficiencies as a passer.

It’s a challenge Engstrand has faced before. He previously called plays for the XFL’s DC Defenders in 2020, working with Cardale Jones and former Buffalo standout Tyree Jackson — both incredible athletes who struggled with consistency as passers.

Of course, Fields is a better passer than both Jones and Jackson, but the principle remains the same. Engstrand will craft an offense that capitalizes on Fields' strengths. If the Jets draft a quarterback this year, it should be someone who fits that archetype of player.

Milroe is the logical choice. A two-year starter at Alabama, Milroe had his ups and downs as a passer this past season but showcased his dangerous dual-threat ability. The 22-year-old rushed for an incredible 20 touchdowns in just 13 starts in 2024.

Milroe remains a significant work in progress and should not be considered a viable first-round target, but he could make some sense as a Day 2 pick for a Jets team looking to build an offense around Fields.

Jets quarterbacks coach Charles London also worked extensively with Milroe at the NFL Combine, suggesting that the organization does have a degree of interest. The fit almost makes too much sense.

Again, the Jets aren't in a position where they should feel forced to draft a quarterback. A QB room featuring Fields, Taylor, Jordan Travis, and Adrian Martinez heading into the summer would be more than sufficient, allowing the team to focus on addressing other key roster needs.

But if the plan is to draft a quarterback and the Jets regime believes they can work with Milroe, he's probably one of the only players at his position in this draft worthy of a Day 2 flier.

Dart likely won’t be available past Round 1, while McCord’s ceiling is limited, and his fit in the offense is questionable. Milroe, however, offers the Jets the ideal blend of upside and scheme fit, making him an obvious target.

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