Jets Reportedly 'Probably' Won't Draft QB at 7 after Fields Contract amid Dart Rumors

The New York Jets are reportedly not expected to use the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft on a quarterback.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that he gets the sense the Jets "probably will not" use their top-10 selection on the quarterback position:

Rapoport added that he expects the Jets to try to use the draft as a means of building around quarterback Justin Fields, who signed a two-year, $40 million deal with New York in free agency.

The Jets' reported desire to surround Fields with talent suggests they could attempt to land a high-end offensive player at No. 7 overall.

ESPN's Rich Cimini believes that will be the case, naming an offensive tackle such as Missouri's Armand Membou or Penn State tight end Tyler Warren as potential picks.

It is widely assumed that the Tennessee Titans will take Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick, leaving Colorado's Shedeur Sanders as the only other surefire first-rounder at quarterback.

Although the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants have a clear need at quarterback at Nos. 2 and 3 overall, it will likely be difficult for them to pass on the opportunity to take a top-flight player at another position such as Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter or Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter.

That means Sanders could very well be on the board when the Jets pick, but Rapoport's report suggests that whatever interest they may have in Sanders doesn't outweigh their interest in seeing what Fields can do as the starter.

On Thursday, NFL draft expert and insider Todd McShay said on The McShay Show (beginning at the 28-minute mark) that there is "some love" for Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart within the Jets organization:

McShay suggested that it's possible the Jets take Dart seventh overall, and he even thought about predicting that pick in his latest mock draft before giving the Jets Membou instead.

That is in line with the BR NFL Scouting Department's latest mock, which had the Jets taking Membou as well.

While Dart would likely be considered a reach at No. 7, it is possible the Jets could come away with a player like Membou, as well as Dart, provided new general manager Darren Mougey does some wheeling and dealing.

The Jets own the No. 42 overall pick in the second round of the draft, and they could potentially use that and other picks to move up into the back-end of Round 1 to take Dart if he makes it that far.

Should that scenario occur, the Jets can end Night 1 of the draft on April 24 with a player who helps Fields immediately, as well as their potential quarterback of the future.