JETS COUNTRY DRAFT SERIES: Identifying Developmental Quarterback Options for Gang Green

Looking at the 2023 quarterbacks class from a Jets perspective ahead of the NFL Draft

Aaron Rodgers is the New York Jets’ short-term answer at quarterback and a good one at that.

Even if his arrow is pointing down, the 39-year old Rodgers provides an instant upgrade for the Jets at a vital spot.

Those facts, however, shouldn’t preclude Gang Green from exploring the quarterback crop offered in this year’s NFL Draft class.

Although Zach Wilson has been labeled QB2 for now, a late-round developmental option may be on the table when general manager Joe Douglas and Co. convene in Kansas City for the three-day Draft (April 27-29).

The Jets almost definitely won’t be in the running for a top-tier prospect like Kentucky’s Will Levis or Florida’s Anthony Richardson, but there are quarterbacks worth exploring with an eye on the franchise’s long-term future. 

Malik Cunningham, Louisville

Ht: 5117 | Wt: 192 | Hand: 0948 | Arm: 3138 | Wing: 7618 | 40: 4.53

The dual threat from Lamar Jackson’s alma mater became only the eighth player in NCAA history to pass for more than 8,000 yards and rush for more than 3,000 yards in a career.

Cunningham completed his Louisville career with 9,663 pass yards, 3,179 rush yards and 120 total touchdowns (70 pass, 50 rush) over 56 games. In 2021, he led all Atlantic Coast Conference players in rushing touchdowns (20).

Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

The 5-foot-11 Cunningham accounted for 8.74 yards per pass and 5.1 yards per rush over the course of his collegiate career. The former four-star high school recruit registered a 62.6 career completion percentage while holding a 5:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Cunningham’s NFLPA Bowl Week performance earned the dual threat quarterback an invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl. The multi-talented passer scored a rushing touchdown as part of the National Team’s 27-10 victory in the annual all-star game. He finished the contest with 22 rush yards on five carries and went 3-of-5 passing for 49 yards and one interception.

Tim DeMorat, Fordham

Ht: 6032 | Wt: 221 | Hand: 0928 | Arm: 3128 | Wing: 7558 | 40: 4.84e

Only three quarterbacks, including former NFL starters Steve McNair and Devlin Hodges, have thrown for more yards at the FCS level than the 6-foot-3 DeMorat (13,461).

DeMorat, who participated in East West Shrine Bowl after an impressive week at the Hula Bowl, accounted for truly staggering numbers in 2022. While leading the nation’s top-ranked offense, which averaged more than 600 yards per outing, the Fordham quarterback threw for 4,891 yards and 56 touchdowns over 12 games and finished second overall in Stats Perform Walter Payton Award voting.

The three-time Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year, who exercises excellent decision-making and ball placement, averaged 9.8 yards per pass attempt while registering a 65.3 completion percentage this past fall. In a 59-52 setback to eventual Arizona Bowl champion Ohio, DeMorat went 27-of-35 passing for 503 yards and six touchdowns without committing a turnover.

Lindsey Scott, Incarnate Word

Ht: 5104 | Wt: 215 | Hand: 0918 | Arm: 3014 | Wing: 7312 | 40: 4.56e

Scott added his name to the list of all-time Stats Perform Walter Payton Award winners in 2022, joining a distinguished group that includes Tony Romo, Jimmy Garoppolo, Taylor Heinicke and the late Steve McNair.

In his lone season as a UIW Cardinal, the former Nicholls State signal caller averaged an eye-popping 10.3 yards per pass attempt (14 games).

QB Lindsey Scott during NFLPA Bowl practice in Pasadena, CA :: Kevin Koski / NFLPA Bowl

Scott threw for 50 touchdowns to only four interceptions during the 2022 regular season. While more than 15 percent of the passes he attempted resulted in touchdowns, the explosive Scott also rushed for seven scores over 11 regular season games.

The quarterback’s efforts powered Incarnate Word to an historic 2022 campaign, which ended with the Cardinals owning the No. 3 overall ranking in the final Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll.

Clayton Tune, Houston

Ht: 6024 | Wt: 220 | Hand: 0938 | Arm: 3148 | Wing: 7538 | 40: 4.64

The three-time Cougars’ team captain totaled 39 career starts after taking over QB1 duties during the 2019 season.

Tune hit a high note in 2022, passing for more than 4,000 yards and setting the American Athletic Conference single-season record for touchdown passes (40). He totaled 546 yards on the ground and scored rushing touchdowns in five different games.

Tune, the 2022 All-AAC First Team quarterback, spearheaded Houston’s second-half comeback in the Independence Bowl. The Cougars scored the game’s last 16 points to post a 23-16 postseason victory. The award-winning signal caller averaged 8.5 yards per pass while firing three scoring strikes to no interceptions en-route to Most Outstanding Player honors.

Representing the American side at the 2023 Reese’s Senior Bowl, the 6-foot-2 Tune went 9-of-12 passing for 70 yards in the pre-Combine all-star game.

All player measurements supplied by NFL Draft Bible (allaccessfootball.com).

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