2025 NFL Mock Draft has NY Jets taking controversial QB of the future

The NY Jets might be full steam ahead with Aaron Rodgers as the starting quarterback and the combination of grizzled veteran Tyrod Taylor and rookie Jordan Travis as the two backups, but the team still lacks a no-doubt succession plan for when Rodgers retires.

The Jets didn't use a top pick on a quarterback of the future, choosing instead to protect Rodgers (Olu Fashanu) and get him more weapons (Malachi Corley). Next year, however, the Jets may take a more earnest look at possibly drafting a player who will eventually take over.

Dane Brugler's first 2025 NFL Mock Draft had the Jets finding a long-term successor for Rodgers in Colorado star Shedeur Sanders. Even the most casual college football fan is well aware of what he and father/coach Deion Sanders have been trying to build in Boulder (with mixed results).

Sanders has enough skill to become a solid quarterback in the NFL, but there are some rough edges to his game he needs to iron out. If Rodgers leads the Jets to the playoffs, as is implied by them picking No. 22 overall in this exercise, taking Sanders will be quite controversial.

2025 NFL Mock Draft has Jets drafting Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders

It's impossible to discuss Sanders without mentioning the off-field noise that comes with him. Between a spat with an ex-teammate most executives will consider to be immature and the media circus that follows, Sanders may not be best suited for the New York market as a rookie.

As a prospect, Sanders is a fringe first-round player with some impressive traits. Clearly a coach's son, Sanders can work through his progressions very well and slice up a defense when protected. His accuracy, both short and down the field, is extremely impressive, and a West Coast system will value that.

Sanders has a solid arm, but it pales in comparison to that of other top 2025 QB prospects like Georgia's Carson Beck or Miami's Cameron Ward. While he's a solid athlete, making plays as a runner or out of structure has never been his calling card.

The Jets may not be too excited to plan for the post-Rodgers era, but being prudent might be better than getting caught with their pants down and no plan moving forward. If the Jets can keep the outside noise to a minimum, there is a path to Sanders taking over the starting job from Rodgers.