New York Jets could target a Big Ten quarterback in 2026 NFL Draft

The New York Jets and their search for a franchise quarterback has been a storyline in the NFL for seemingly forever.

Joe Namath isn't walking through that tunnel and it's not fair to expect Geno Smith to become the next Namath, either at 35 years old and on the back nine of his career. Sure, Smith has found a career resurgence in the years since he was selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Jets, but he's not a long-term answer for New York.

With picks Nos. 2, 16, 33 and 44 in the Top 100 of the upcoming NFL Draft, the Jets could, of course, decide to find their quarterback of the future that way. They have a long history of whiffing on early quarterback picks, though, so would it make more sense for them to play the development game a bit and find a quarterback in the later rounds that they can stash for a few seasons?

Notably, Rich Cimini of ESPN believes the Jets could target Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar in the fourth round.

"Keep an eye on Drew Allar (Penn State), who recently had a private workout at the Jets' facility," he wrote. "He's a developmental prospect with great size (6-foot-5, 228 pounds) and arm strength. Of course, this becomes moot if they pick Ty Simpson (Alabama) at Nos. 16 or 33."

Drew Allar an intriguing option for New York Jets in 2026 NFL Draft

Choosing Simpson early would just be more of the same for the Jets, and that's what makes waiting until the mid rounds to pick up a quarterback like Allar appealing.

Allar absolutely has the intangibles to be an NFL quarterback. Cimini mentioned his size and arm strength, but he was also a three-year starter at Penn State and operated under center as well as out of the shotgun.

He suffered a season-ending ankle injury as a senior, which has also impacted him during the draft process. That's arguably a main reason he's not looked at with a little bit more intrigue in this draft, but if he can get healthy, he could end up being a steal for a team like the Jets.

Allar threw for 7,402 yards and 61 touchdowns compared to just 13 interceptions during his college career. He also rushed for 732 yards and 12 touchdowns.