The New York Jets didn't hitch their whole future to Justin Fields.
When they signed their new starting quarterback this offseason, it was on a two-year contract with a relatively easy-to-escape second season.
That sets the Jets up to target a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, if they want. And it's a loaded class of QBs.
The Sporting News' Anthony Licciardi doesn't see the Jets passing on a talented quarterback if they get the chance. He's got them slotted at No. 5 in his new mock draft, and with that pick, he has them choosing LaNorris Sellers out of South Carolina.
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"Sellers has more than enough tools to be the first pick come April. Just how high he goes will depend on the progress he shows within structure this season," Licciardi writes. "In East Rutherford, Sellers would be able to sit behind Justin Fields for a season, although his arm strength and athleticism would give him answers to defensive tests, helping him push for playing time. The Jets are clearly willing to operate a quarterback-run-heavy offense, and if Sellers hits, he has the upside to match the demigods atop the conference."
That is a key part of Licciardi's projection. He doesn't think Fields would automatically be a goner if the Jets choose Sellers.
If anything, Sellers could benefit from at least a partial season behind a guy like Fields to learn what works and what doesn't work in the NFL.
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Fields has had some ups and downs in his career, and he'd likely be able to share those lessons with the uber-talented Sellers.
Eventually, if this pick was made by the Jets, the torch would have to be passed. And they'd have to hope Fields and the coaching staff had prepared Sellers well enough.
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