New York Jets Could Take Star College Quarterback Late In Draft

If the New York Jets want to bolster their quarterback room, then they could target a star college player.

While the first round of the NFL draft always garners the most headlines, the strength of roster building comes from every possible avenue, especially finding gems in the later rounds of every draft.

The New York Jets will look to do that under fifth-year general manager Joe Douglas during a pivotal season that could usher in changes across the board if it's not a successful campaign.

They'll need to get the No. 10 overall pick right first because, after that, they don't pick again until the third round. That's why there has been so much discussion about who the Jets should select early because the chances they land a truly game-changing player in the later rounds is slim.

Whether they go with an offensive lineman or add a skill position player will be seen, but they also have an opportunity to boost their quarterback room later in the draft.

Jacob Camenker of Sporting News predicted where every quarterback in this class would be selected and he has New York taking Florida State star Jordan Travis in the sixth round.

The sixth-year senior was putting together the best season of his career before he suffered a gruesome leg injury against North Alabama that needed an immediate air cast and for him to be carted off the field.

Florida State was in the midst of their undefeated regular season, but were kept out of the College Football Playoff after Travis suffered his injury.

Still, he finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting results after throwing for 2,756 yards, 20 touchdowns and just two interceptions with a 63.9% completion rate.

The Jets know all too well how important it is to have a strong quarterback room after Aaron Rodgers went down during the first game of last year. They signed veteran Tyrod Taylor to be the backup to address the issues they saw in 2023, and Zach Wilson is still on the roster.

But, adding someone like Travis to this group late in the draft would get some youth back into that room and see if he can develop into someone who can play at the NFL level.