The off-season continues as we draw closer to the NFL Draft. With the first round a week away, 32 young men will have their dreams come true. Of those 32, at least four of those draft picks will be quarterbacks. The big four of Williams, Maye, Daniels, and McCarthy are all expected to be drafted and start as rookie quarterbacks. But that doesn’t mean teams won’t still desire a long-term quarterback. The talent depth in this class extends far past the first six on the board. Even with Penix and Nix going, teams can still add a talented young quarterback to develop. This is my hope for the New York Jets on Day 3.
Reality can rear its ugly head next year as the team goes all in on 2024. As profound as his career has been, entrusting an over-40-year-old Aaron Rodgers beyond this year is a needless risk. To gamble such a talented defense on a diminishing quarterback is insulting to the additional 52 players on this roster. Tyrod Taylor’s two-year contract gives the team variety heading into 2025. But one of these three late-round quarterbacks can be a massive opportunity for New York long term.
Three Late-Round Rookie Quarterbacks for the New York Jets
At this time, expectations for the New York Jets have never been higher. An offseason addressing the offensive line and wide receiver positions is the kind of boost this team desired last year. In addition, the return of Aaron Rodgers will add a stabilizing veteran voice in the huddle for Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson. Aaron will be good, but one simply can’t expect him to return to MVP form after such a major injury at his advanced state. The backup situation is far more consistent than last year. Moving on from Zach Wilson in exchange for Tyrod Taylor is a smart move for this offense. Should Rodgers re-injure himself or underperform, Tyrod Taylor has enough starting experience to keep this team afloat. But, they still need a young quarterback behind them.
The problem is the lack of top 100 draft picks currently in New York’s possession. Outside the tenth overall pick, New York only has the 72nd overall pick before the 4th round. This almost assuredly takes them out of the Michael Penix and Bo Nix race, unless they risk taking them early at tenth overall. However, this class still has development options beyond the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Jordan Travis, Florida State
While their defense is largely responsible for their return to form, few will argue that Jordan Travis doesn’t deserve his flowers. He earned the starting job in Mike Norvell’s first season in Tallahassee and they haven’t looked back since. Jordan Travis shined by attacking on short routes early and making plays with his legs. Travis completed over 64% of his passes this season and finished every season with seven touchdown runs as a starter. He became the first FSU quarterback to beat rival Miami three years in a row and finished this season fifth in the Heisman trophy.
He could have won the award had he not suffered an ankle injury against North Alabama in November. Fortunately, the recovery seems to be going on schedule. Allowing Jordan Travis to take the season to focus on recuperation can be a blessing to ease his worries about immediately fitting into the league. While his arm strength is not ideal, his pocket awareness and accuracy are a tantalizing foundation for the right coaching staff to develop. He can become a potential starting quarterback in New York.
He’s back.
Former #FSU QB Jordan Travis is back onto the field training ahead of the NFL Draft.
Travis is meeting with the New York Jets today. #Noles pic.twitter.com/2qH9fgAtWI
— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) April 15, 2024
Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
In 2019, Spencer Rattler was the talk of the town in Norman, Oklahoma. The freshman was expected to continue the line of first-overall pick quarterbacks that Lincoln Riley developed in the Sooners offense. Rattler showed franchise quarterback potential in his first year as a starter. Completing over 67% of his passes and was responsible for 34 total touchdowns in 2020. Alas, fate had other plans once Caleb Williams beat Texas in 2021. Despite losing his starting job, the experience matured Spencer Rattler into the fan favorite that Gamecock fans came to love in South Carolina.
Historically, the move to the SEC from the Big 12 is a big step up in the quality of secondary you play against. Especially playing against Georgia’s defense each season. Yet, Spencer Rattler stepped up to the plate in Columbia. He again completed 67% of his passes and 44 total touchdowns through 25 games. Prone to trust his arm strength too much on throws, the Arizona native’s natural arm strength is still as good as advertised. Rattler also had a great Senior Bowl week, including an MVP-winning performance against the Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s defense in the game.
Michael Pratt, Tulane
A starter as a freshman, Michael Pratt has left behind a program-changing campaign at Tulane University. He broke school records held by former first-round quarterback JP Losman. Although Tulane struggled to play winning football, Pratt’s talent shined during his time in Louisiana. Although facing lesser defenses than the formerly mentioned players, Pratt has shown competent arm strength and a willingness to make big plays.
Pratt finished his career with 108 total touchdowns through 46 games as a starter, while throwing 9,611 yards over four seasons. He earned a 21-3 record as a starter while completing 64% of his passes. Pratt could have earned Day 2 consideration had he not been hurt before the Ole Miss game. Pratt garnered praise for his leadership and play-making abilities during the Green Wave’s historic Cotton Bowl comeback against USC in 2023.
The addition of any one of these young men to the quarterback room would be wise. Allowing them the opportunity from two experienced starters can help them hone their mechanics. Picking up on little things can even lead to a potential long-term starter as seen by Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, and Brock Purdy potentially in the 2024 NFL Draft.
