Jets Projected to Gamble on Mobile QB After Passing on Ty...

By Michael Gallagher

Sports Content Coordinator

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It’s no secret the New York Jets need a quarterback.

The problem is after Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, there doesn’t seem to be many players worth risking a Day 2 pick on, outside of Alabama’s Ty Simpson.

It’s possible the Jets could take Simpson with their second first-rounder (No. 16 overall), but if they don’t, it’s likely he won’t be on the board the next time New York is on the clock.

ESPN analyst Ben Solak believes Simpson will land with the Arizona Cardinals, who he thinks will trade back up into the back half of the first round to ensure they grab the Crimson Tide signal-caller.

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If Simpson is out of the picture, there isn’t much else left in terms of potential starting-caliber QBs left in the draft, save for LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Penn State’s Drew Allar — both of whom began last season projected to be first-round picks but fell to the Round 2-4 range after injuries and developmental setbacks.

However, there is one passer Solak states could be worth gambling on as a low-risk, high-reward developmental player in the later rounds of the draft: North Dakota State’s Cole Payton.

“I am doubtful that the Jets will make an early investment at quarterback in this draft,” Solak wrote. “… Coach Aaron Glenn likes quarterback mobility. … Payton was a Taysom Hill-like playmaker for North Dakota State over his college career.

“… I really like Payton as a Day 3 option accordingly. He provides short-yardage value as an option quarterback, with a bulky frame and great tackle-breaking ability. Most QB runners are long striders who avoid contact, but Payton can actually run through it like a goal-line back.”

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With Geno Smith taking over as the starter next year, it’s possible the Jets could work in some goal-line or short-yardage packages for Payton to run out of the wildcat.

The problem the Jets would have on their hands then is teaching Payton how to get rid of the ball quicker to make up for his lack of arm strength. He’s shown he can make the short and intermediate throws, but Payton will likely never be an above-average deep-ball thrower in the NFL.

“He isn't ready for a full drop-back menu right now, but there's a legit ceiling here for a guy who has flashed pro-style throws in limited opportunities,” Solak added. “Payton is unlikely to see enough game action (or produce enough if he does) to deter the Jets from investing early in a 2027 draft class QB1. If he does hit, he has a high dual-threat ceiling profile in the mold of Jalen Hurts. Of all the gambles a team could take on Day 3, Payton is my favorite.”

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