The New York Jets may be at a pivotal crossroads when it comes to their quarterback situation, and a new approach could be on the horizon. On the latest episode of the NFL Stock Exchange Podcast, co-hosts Connor Rogers and Trevor Sikkema made the case for Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe as the Jets’ first-round selection in their 2025 NFL mock draft.

“This is where my Jets’ theory is quarterback,” Sikkema explained. “Whether [Aaron] Rodgers comes back or not, I’m getting much more on the train of this should be a quarterback pick for the Jets [in the first round]. I don’t want to say no matter what but if you draft Jalen Milroe and if Rodgers comes back next year that is best best-case scenario actually. You give Milroe a year to sit.”

Is It Time to Dive Back Into the Draft?

Jalen Milroe, a 21-year-old quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, is in the midst of an impressive collegiate career. Over four seasons, Milroe has amassed 5,404 passing yards, 44 touchdowns, and only 15 interceptions while completing 65.6% of his throws.

But it’s not just his arm that makes him stand out. Milroe is a true dual-threat quarterback, adding another dimension with his legs. He’s rushed for 1,459 yards and 30 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 4.5 yards per carry. According to Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network, Milroe’s arm strength is considered “elite,” adding even more intrigue to his draft stock.

As things currently stand, the Jets hold the No. 6 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to Tankathon. Thanks to an upset victory by the Cleveland Browns over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12, New York finds itself in a prime position to address its long-term needs at quarterback. However, with no clear consensus QB1 in the upcoming draft class, the Jets will need to carefully evaluate their options.

Breaking Old Patterns

The Jets’ history with high draft picks at quarterback has been less than stellar. In 2018, they selected Sam Darnold with the third overall pick. Just three years later, in 2021, they chose Zach Wilson at No. 2. Both were expected to become franchise cornerstones, yet neither lived up to the hype, forcing the team to turn to veterans for stability.

This approach hasn’t worked either. While Rodgers’ arrival this season was seen as a game-changer, his injury in Week 1 left the Jets scrambling once again. With another reboot on the horizon, the organization must decide whether to try a new approach.

Trevor Sikkema believes the answer lies in Milroe, especially if the Jets allow him to develop at his own pace: “I love the idea of drafting Milroe and actually giving him time to sit and learn. Let him absorb knowledge from one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, even if Rodgers isn’t at his peak anymore. Sitting in meetings with him, learning the nuances of the game, and refining his skills would set Milroe up for success. Then, when he’s ready, you unleash a more dynamic, dual-threat offense.”

Learning from Past Mistakes

One common thread in the failures of Darnold and Wilson was the pressure to start immediately. Throwing rookie quarterbacks into the fire often leads to mixed results, and in the Jets’ case, it hasn’t worked. While there’s no guarantee that sitting Darnold or Wilson would have changed their careers, it’s clear that the Jets need a different developmental strategy moving forward.

With Rodgers possibly returning or Tyrod Taylor serving as a bridge quarterback, the Jets could afford to be patient with a young talent like Milroe. Developing a quarterback this way would be a significant departure from how the franchise has operated in the past—and it just might be the change they need to finally find success at the position.

For now, all eyes are on the draft board, and Jalen Milroe is one name that could redefine the Jets’ future. Whether the team sticks to its usual path or chooses to gamble on a fresh approach, one thing is certain: the search for a lasting solution at quarterback remains the Jets’ top priority.