The NFL season is officially over, as the Philadelphia Eagles prevented a Kansas City Chiefs three-peat in Super Bowl 59 with a 40-22 win. Now that the NFL season is over, it officially sets the draft order for the 2025 NFL Draft with compensatory picks still to be announced for rounds three through seven. While free agency is still to come, the Tennessee Titans are officially on the clock with the first overall selection in April’s Draft.
A look at the teams at the top of the draft order will show franchises needing reliable quarterback play. That’s the case for the Titans, Brown, Giants, and Raiders, who will all select within the top six picks of the draft. Looking just outside that range, the New York Jets are a team now that will need a quarterback, as reports indicate the new regime does not plan on bringing back Aaron Rodgers for the 2025 season. The likely Hall of Famer Rodgers is coming off a 3,897 yards and 28 touchdown season in 2024.
While their seventh overall pick might be too high to select a third quarterback with Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders likely off the board, NFL.com’s recent mock draft has the Jets selecting Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham at seven then trading back into the first round to select Ole Miss quarterback Jackson Dart at 31. Here’s what Chad Reuter of NFL.com wrote about the decision:
“Multiple teams could be looking for a quarterback early in Round 2. To avoid the Friday night rush, the Jets trade up from Pick No. 42 overall in Round 2, sending that selection and a fourth-, fifth- and sixth-round pick to the Chiefs. Dart's efficiency, smooth delivery and above-average mobility for the position earn him the nod in this mock.”
Starting his career off with USC before transferring to Ole Miss, Dart finished the 2024 season leading the SEC in passing yards with 4,279 and completion percentage at 69.3%. While there’s still plenty of time before a distinctive third-best quarterback is determined in this class, Dart appears the early favorite and could find his way taking over the Jets.