NFL Draft Rumors: Jets Have 'Some Love' for Jaxson Dart Despite Justin Fields Contract

Despite the New York Jets signing fifth-year quarterback Justin Fields this offseason, there is "some love" in the building in possibly drafting Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.

"(The Jets are ) thrilled to have Justin Fields, he's going to be the starter. Let's move forward with him, but it's not a contract that absolutely locks them in," Todd McShay said on the Todd McShay Show (16:50 mark). "By bringing in Fields, they've certainly alleviated the necessity to take a quarterback... Let's finish our process, there's some love in that building for Jaxson Dart."

The Jets are not expected to take Dart with the No. 7 pick but could look to trade up from the second round into the late first to draft the former Ole Miss quarterback to backup Fields.

"But Dart is there, there is some love in the building for him, (but) I don't think he'll be the number seven pick," McShay said. "I think the Jets desperately need a difference maker."

The Jets will likely target a short-pass option, such as Penn State tight end Tyler Warren to complement Fields' play style, per McShay. However, if Dart is still available later, he could land in New York as discussions around the third -best quarterback in the draft continue to shift toward him.

"The Ole Miss quarterback, is kind of climbing up in terms of the media conversation ...Everyone now is like, "Who's the third quarterback?" We see it every year they get pushed up... and Jaxson Dart, I have a grade that equates to like (a) late first, early second and so I absolutely think he could (be the third quarterback)." McShay said. "I know from the people I have spoken too in the league, (they are) very intrigued by him early in the second round, don't think he's going to get in the first."

In his senior season with the Rebels, Dart threw for 4,279 yards with 29 touchdowns and just six interceptions while leading Ole Miss to a 10-3 finish and a Gator Bowl victory over Duke.