Jets Target Justin Fields Replacement in New NFL Mock Draft: 'Sky's the Limit'

Luke Easterling of Athlon Sports calls for LaNorris Sellers of South Carolina as the Jets' QB of the future -- and Fields successor.

"None of the preseason favorites among the top quarterback prospects in this class of lived up to the hype so far, but Sellers is still the one I’m most excited about when it comes to his tools and upside," Easterling wrote in his evaluation.

Sellers and South Carolina have underwhelmed so far in 2025. They're only 3-2 after hearing Heisman Trophy hype for the dual-threat quarterback.

Easterling, however, still believes in Sellers' potential and calls him a prime "long-term replacement" for New York's current QB1.

"He’s still got a rocket arm and rare athleticism/playmaking ability when things break down, and if he can continue to develop as a passer from the pocket, the sky’s the limit," Easterling said. "Justin Fields is playing on a one-year deal, and Sellers could be his long-term replacement."

Does Sellers Rank Ahead of Notable SEC Passers?

Sellers lands at No. 4 to the Jets in this mock. That doesn't make him the first QB taken, though. Fernando Mendoza of Indiana goes two spots ahead to the New Orleans Saints.

The Gamecocks standout, however, lands ahead of some renown SEC passers who garnered equal or more attention before the season.

Arch Manning is nowhere listed in this new mock draft, with many believing he needs another season with Texas amid his '25 struggles. DJ Lagway of Florida is another unmentioned Southeastern Conference star in this first round mock. Even Garrett Nussmeier of LSU goes from top pick to no mention here.

That makes Sellers the top NFL QB talent from the SEC, for this week only.

Sellers can still draw hefty intrigue with his arm strength and ability to make plays under duress. But his stock boosts if he gets South Carolina out of this current inconsistent period its in.

He'll more than likely command top 10 draft attention if the Gamecocks go on a sudden surge with five straight ranked foes all on deck next.