In a year, a lot may happen. Robert Saleh was coaching the New York Jets only a year ago. With Aaron Rodgers back from his Achilles injury, the team had great expectations for a postseason run. After a year, things appear to have changed significantly. Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey have taken Saleh’s and GM Joe Douglas’ places. Additionally, Rodgers is no longer with New York, as Justin Fields has taken over as quarterback.
Therefore, it’s difficult to forecast how the Jets will approach the draft the following year. It goes without saying that a variety of factors could affect the team’s choice. However, the Jets should watch three 2026 NFL draft prospects based on New York’s present needs and trends.
The Jets’ desire for a long-term answer to the quarterback dilemma that has dogged the organization since Joe Namath’s tenure ended in the late 1970s is paramount. Yes, Fields inked a two-year contract with New York this summer. However, the contract alone won’t stop the Jets from selecting a quarterback in the 2026 draft because just $30 million is guaranteed.
New York was not even barred from selecting a passer in the 2025 selection per the contract. However, the organization chose not to do so because it thinks Fields has something to offer and wants to give him a season to prove himself without having to deal with a possible replacement on the sidelines.
According to Glenn, Fields is about to have a breakthrough. which would be fantastic. However, the Jets will surely try to address the position in the draft if the 26-year-old quarterback doesn’t improve his performance in his New York debut. Additionally, the team will most likely be selecting close to the top of the first round if the Fields experiment doesn’t work.
All in on Allar?
The Jets would have no trouble selecting Cade Klubnik of Clemson if Arch Manning were to return to Texas for another season of collegiate football. In 2024, the dynamic, dual-threat quarterback led the Tigers with 4,102 total yards and 43 touchdowns.
If today were the day of the 2026 draft, Klubnik would most likely be selected first overall. However, Drew Allar of Penn State is a candidate the Jets should keep an eye on.
Given that the Jets wasted a second-round pick on notorious draft flop Christian Hackenberg in 2016, the idea of choosing a Penn State quarterback may give Jets supporters nightmares. However, following a successful junior campaign with the Nittany Lions, Allar is worth watching.
Allar finished 2024 with 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions on 66.5 percent of his passes. With his large arm, he tosses a fantastic deep ball that appears simple. But he can also throw passes with timing and touch, and he can sling the ball into narrow spaces.
Allar is a talented passer who also adds a rushing element to his game. His 302 rushing yards and six touchdowns from the previous season showed his agility and elusiveness, even though he isn’t necessarily a dual-threat quarterback.
The Allar’s stature and arm power are alluring, standing at 6’5″ and 238 pounds. The entire league, including New York, will be looking to see if he improves as a senior after making a huge leap in his junior year.
New York needs a dynamic signal caller to compete in a division that is home to players like Tua Tagovailoa, Drake Maye, and Josh Allen. Allar might be the solution to the Jets’ long-standing quarterback dilemma.
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