New York Jets Host Quarterback Prospect

The New York Jets may look for the future franchise quarterback in this year's NFL Draft. Could Tulane's Michael Pratt fit the bill?

Dec 2, 2023; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tulane Green Wave quarterback Michael Pratt (7) scrambles out the / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets are fully submerged in a win-now window, attempting to win a Super Bowl with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the final year(s) of his career.

Yet, expecting general manager Joe Douglas to not think about the future would go against the tendencies of his tenure. Sure, trading a 2026 draft pick for Haason Reddick looks a little bit like a decision maker unsure of his long-term job prospects, but New York is unlikely to put all of their chips in the middle for this season.

Some of their draft picks won’t be making an impact in 2024. Depending on the draft capital spent on those depth pieces, that’s probably perfectly acceptable. One position Douglas may look to the future is at quarterback.

Dec 2, 2023; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tulane Green Wave quarterback Michael Pratt (7) scrambles out the / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

New York currently lacks no plan for the post-Rodgers era. Zach Wilson is on the roster – for now – and Tyrod Taylor will be the backup in the short term. But the future of the franchise isn’t wearing green and white just yet. Or is he?

The similarly-clad Tulane Green Wave is sending quarterback Michael Pratt to the pros, and the Jets have taken notice. According to Ryan Fowler, New York is hosting a visit with the passer this week.

Pratt has long been viewed as one of the third-tier passers in this class, and the consensus views him as a developmental prospect who can provide depth today and perhaps start tomorrow.

He isn’t as toolsy as his early-round counterparts, or as polished as the passers that project as second-round picks. However, he’s aggressive, tough in the pocket, and resoundingly accurate. He can keep a quick-game offense on schedule, which bodes well for an offense built around getting the ball to receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall.

While sitting behind Rodgers won’t teach him how to make jaw-dropping throws or increase his proficiency in tight windows, there’s reason to believe marinating behind a couple of veterans could help his intangibles. Pratt can be reckless at times, especially against more complex coverages that rotate after the snap.

Fans may prefer toolsy quarterbacks, especially if they have to wait to see them on the field. Ironing out flaws on the bench only to have physical limitations stifle one’s game can be underwhelming. However, the Jets aren’t in the market for an early-round quarterback. 

Concessions at the position will be made with each passing round, and it’s possible Douglas is just looking for a developmental backup early in the draft’s third day. If nothing else, Pratt would provide the Jets with options for the post-Rodgers era, and Douglas puts a premium on flexibility.

It may not be the most inspiring selection, but the potential surplus value of a mid-to-late-round passer could land Pratt in New York’s new uniforms.