NY Jets: 5 Underrated offensive targets in 2025 NFL draft..
For those who may not be aware, I run a company that covers college football. While doing this work ultimately led me to stepping away from doing GGN’s Flight Connections, it’s allowed me to get an inside look at multiple schools and players throughout the year. On top of that, I was also fortunate enough to witness both the Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl sessions this season, too. This work has led me to finding a number of underrated players that the NY Jets could target in the 2025 NFL draft, or as undrafted free agents going forward.
This piece may not feature the sexy names or high-end quarterback options, but these are players with a winning attitude, who can also provide an impact on the field, too. These are the underrated players I believe the NY Jets should target this spring.
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NY Jets Underrated Targets
Kyle McCord, Syracuse – Quarterback
Unfortunately, I was at the game in which Kyle McCord threw five interceptions against Pittsburgh, three of which were returned for a touchdown. While that game ultimately tanked his draft stock at the time, McCord is an interesting prospect to look at.
It’s kind of bizarre to say that the quarterback who led the FBS in passing yards is underrated, but given his Day 3 projection, it’s safe to say that’s where he lands.
Unlike other quarterbacks, McCord didn’t have the luxury to sit in the pocket and watch plays unfold before him. The Syracuse signal-caller only had 2.40 seconds of time to throw, which was the seventh-lowest among 114 qualifying FBS quarterbacks (min. 250 attempts). His 17% pressure-to-sack rate in that regard is admirable, but what’s equally impressive is that his big time throw percentage of 5.7 was tied for 15th-best.
McCord was the engine that made the Syracuse offense go. He throws on time, allows for YAC ability for his receivers, and can throw from a variety of angles.
Equally important is McCord’s football IQ. He understands how to look off the safety, and has no problem going through his reads on longer developing plays. He also understands where his hot read is when faced with a blitz.
What a throw this was from @CuseFootball QB Kyle McCord to TE Oronde Gadsden Jr. on Monday.
Perfect pace and touch to hit his top weapon over the outstretched hands of the defender for the explosive play in the 2-minute drill.
McCord had a great week. Best QB here. Gadsden… pic.twitter.com/D3P4lHEY2a
— Josh Carney (@ByJoshCarney) January 30, 2025
My player comparison of “better Drew Lock” may not be what fans want to hear. However, the question is, how much better, is the ceiling worth looking at? For a Day 3 pick, McCord is the type of player worth taking a chance on.
Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse – Tight End
Yeah, I know. It’s another Syracuse player. While Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland, and Harold Fannin Jr. are the talk of this tight end class, Oronde Gadsden (currently projected as a fifth-round selection) is a unicorn yet to be discovered.
In essence, Gadsden is what a true “big slot” represents. The Syracuse prospect had the fourth-most targets (103) and slot usage (58.3) among tight ends this past season. In the Orange’s passing attack, Gadsden could not be stopped.
Oronde Gadsden just made the catch of the year
Absolutely dominant athlete who will play on Sundays. pic.twitter.com/BOOjhNdb0H
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) November 9, 2024
With a 10.3 ADOT, Gadsden is a true downfield threat at the position. He also had just a 3.9 percent drop rate, 11th-best among his position. Gadsden is the son of former NFL wide receiver Oronde Gadsen. On top of the NFL genes, the program being run by coach Fran Brown in Syracuse is one that prioritizes having athletes prepared for football and personal situations. For that reason, it’s hard not to come away impressed with the player’s attitudes towards the game, their responsibilities as a player and person, and accountability when things aren’t going their way.
That’s the type of leadership and personality that Aaron Glenn should have on his team. It also doesn’t hurt that my comparison for him is Sam LaPorta, who has proven to be a nice chess piece with the Detroit Lions.
Tai Felton, Maryland – Wide Receiver
Tai Felton from Maryland is projected to be a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
The Terps receiver was second in the FBS in targets (143), 12th in yards (1,119), and T-18 in touchdowns (9). In an offense bereft of weapons, it’s worth noticing Felton’s production. The Maryland wide receiver was asked to do a lot, and to a fault it hurt his stats. After all, a wide receiver can only succeed downfield if he has a quarterback who can get him the ball – something that Maryland struggled with throughout the season.
Felton projects to be a slot/Z receiver in the NFL – a moveable chess piece to create mismatches on offense. He understands where he needs to be on boundary routes, can get leverage on his stems, and can come away with some incredible catches.
