The Jets, the NFL Draft and QBs: Class of 2027 not exactly distinguishing themselves yet

The Jets had the No. 2 pick last year in what was considered a one-quarterback draft. They have three first-round picks in 2027 in what has been hyped as a talented and deep quarterback class.

That might not be the case anymore, though. Inconsistency, injuries and some overall unimpressive play have made this once-vaunted quarterback class no sure thing.

The Jets, who currently are in position for picks 7 (via Indianapolis), 10 (theirs) and 12 (via Dallas), according to tankathon.com, still are expected to draft a quarterback.

Here’s a look at how the top ones have fared this year:

C.J. Carr, Notre Dame

The Jets have scouted Carr multiple times this season. He’s an accurate passer, poised in the pocket and processes things quickly. Carr lost some of his top playmakers and pass receivers to the NFL or graduation — Jeremiyah Love, Malachi Fields, Eli Raridon, Jadarian Price — but is putting together another strong season. He’s thrown 16 touchdown passes and one interception for the fifth-ranked Irish. Carr didn’t throw a touchdown pass in Notre Dame’s recent loss to BYU. It was only the second time in 19 games that he didn’t throw a TD pass and snapped a 16-game winning streak.

Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

He’s another quarterback who would have been a first-round pick last year and someone the Jets would have considered, but Chambliss won a court battle to return to Ole Miss for a sixth year of eligibility. Chambliss is a dual-threat quarterback who is ahead of last season’s pace in just about every category, including interceptions. He threw three picks in last week’s loss to Texas, matching his total from all of last season. Chambliss has 22 total touchdowns — 16 passing and six rushing — for the 12th-ranked Rebels. He had 30 total last year (22 passing and eight rushing).

Arch Manning, Texas

Former Giants quarterback Eli Manning recently said he selfishly hopes his nephew gets drafted by the Jets so he can be around him and help him. There are questions as to whether the younger Manning will even declare now. He’s been erratic and careless with the football. In the last four games, Manning has thrown five touchdown passes and five interceptions and lost two fumbles. Texas is 2-2 in those games. There was a report that redshirt freshman quarterback KJ Lacey is taking increased first-team reps in practice. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian denied that but did say, “I need to see a better version of Arch.”

Darian Mensah, Miami

He arguably has been the most impressive and consistent one of this group. Mensah is big (6-3), has a strong arm and is very accurate. He has thrown 22 touchdown passes and one interception for the undefeated and No. 1-ranked Hurricanes. Mensah leads the FBS in completion percentage (.814) and is second in touchdown passes thrown. He transferred to Miami from Duke, where he led the Blue Devils to a conference title last year and topped the ACC in passing yards (3,973) and touchdown passes (34).

Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State

He is putting up big numbers and climbing mock drafts, but he comes with uncertainty because of his lack of experience playing quarterback. The 6-3 Mestemaker was a punter and safety in high school before walking on at North Texas. He became a full-time starter last year and led the FBS in passing yards (4,359). Mestemaker is second in yards this season (2,326) and fourth with 20 touchdown passes in his first year at Oklahoma State. He recorded 426 total yards and three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) to lead the Cowboys over Oregon, ranked No. 6 at the time, in front of many NFL scouts. NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah called Mestemaker “the most intriguing player” of the potential quarterback draft class during an interview on “The Rich Eisen Show,” but Jeremiah added, “In an ideal world for him and his development, more playing time and another year would be great.”

Dante Moore, Oregon

He suffered a scary head injury last month against USC on a late and vicious hit by Desman Stephens II after a scrambling Moore slid to give himself up. Moore will miss the rest of his senior season, Ducks coach Dan Lanning said. Moore was one of the top quarterback prospects last season behind Fernando Mendoza and would have been on the Jets’ radar with the No. 2 pick. Moore decided to return to college and chase a national championship. He threw nine touchdown passes and no interceptions in four games.

Julian Sayin, Ohio State

He is out indefinitely after suffering an injury to his throwing arm and shoulder in an Oct. 17 win over Indiana. Ohio State coach Ryan Day indicated that the Buckeyes are planning to move forward without Sayin for the rest of the season. His arm strength already was a question mark before his injury, but Sayin was off to a good start for the 6-1 Buckeyes, the No. 2-ranked team in the country. He threw 19 touchdown passes, the most in the Big Ten. Sayin led the conference in completion percentage (.770) last year.

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.