The New York Jets were defeated 19-9 by the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, dropping to 4-11 in a wasted season. The Jets are now slated to own the No. 8 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. It's clear the franchise is heading toward a messy offseason breakup with aging quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Barring an aggressive trade-up, the Jets won't be positioned to draft Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. The Jets may have to settle for a veteran bridge-type quarterback like Derek Carr or Kirk Cousins. Pairing that signal-caller with a mid-round quarterback may offer the best path forward. We've identified three quarterbacks the Jets should pursue via the 2025 NFL Draft.
Carson Beck, Georgia
It's been a rollercoaster of a season for Georgia's Carson Beck. He entered the preseason as a potential No. 1 overall pick but has failed to meet those expectations. Beck still helped lead the Bulldogs to another SEC Championship title. Prior to getting injured in that triumph, the Jacksonville, Florida native had thrown for 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions in Georgia's previous three contests, including impressive wins over Georgia Tech and Tennessee.
Beck is expected to remain sidelined for the Sugar Bowl matchup with Notre Dame. The Bulldogs’ starter may miss an opportunity during the College Football Playoff to improve his pre-draft stock. Beck is an accurate quarterback with the athleticism required to throw on the move. Decision-making under pressure has been a recurring issue. The Jets could target him as an intriguing mid-round QB.
Quinn Ewers, Texas
Texas' Quinn Ewers has been an inconsistent quarterback this season. Recurring injuries and inconsistencies have derailed portions of his 2024 campaign. Ewers was even benched for heir apparent Arch Manning at one point, but has reclaimed his place in the starting lineup. The experienced college quarterback was effective in the College Football Playoff win over Clemson, completing 17-of-24 passing attempts for 202 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
After this inconsistent campaign, Ewers is being viewed as a mid-round quarterback. He possesses upside as an accurate signal-caller with plus-level ball placement. Ewers can mix speed and trajectories with short, medium, and deep-ball accuracy.
A lengthy injury history will be subject to medical rechecks. Pairing him with a veteran quarterback would give the Jets multiple options throughout 2025.
Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
Dillon Gabriel deserves more hype throughout this pre-draft process. The No. 1-ranked Oregon Ducks are favorites to win the National Championship. They'll host Ohio State in the Rose Bowl in a must-watch showdown on Jan. 1.
Gabriel has been electric for offensive coordinator Will Stein this season. The versatile quarterback has thrown for 3,558 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions throughout 2024. Gabriel is experienced and productive, effectively distributing the football to his weapons with high-level accuracy and placement. He's capable of operating an option-based offense.
He's slightly undersized, and there's an argument that his ceiling has already reached its cap, but he'll offer an NFL offense a legitimate starting-caliber option in 2025.
