Jets Target Justin Fields Replacement in New NFL Mock Draft: 'Sky's the Limit'
Justin Fields has 13 games left to determine if he remains with the New York Jets, or see if he can ink a big money payday elsewhere.
One new NFL Mock Draft, though, has the franchise adding his replacement. Even calling this move a "sky's the limit" scenario for the winless Jets.
And this idea arrives after Fields impressed as a runner, but struggled as a passer in the Monday Night Football loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Jets Draft Dynamic, Intriguing Replacement for Justin Fields
Luke Easterling of Athlon Sports calls for LaNorris Sellers of South Carolina as the Jets' QB of the future -- and Fields successor.
"None of the preseason favorites among the top quarterback prospects in this class of lived up to the hype so far, but Sellers is still the one I’m most excited about when it comes to his tools and upside," Easterling wrote in his evaluation.
Sellers and South Carolina have underwhelmed so far in 2025. They're only 3-2 after hearing Heisman Trophy hype for the dual-threat quarterback.
Easterling, however, still believes in Sellers' potential and calls him a prime "long-term replacement" for New York's current QB1.
"He’s still got a rocket arm and rare athleticism/playmaking ability when things break down, and if he can continue to develop as a passer from the pocket, the sky’s the limit," Easterling said. "Justin Fields is playing on a one-year deal, and Sellers could be his long-term replacement."
Does Sellers Rank Ahead of Notable SEC Passers?
Sellers lands at No. 4 to the Jets in this mock. That doesn't make him the first QB taken, though. Fernando Mendoza of Indiana goes two spots ahead to the New Orleans Saints.
The Gamecocks standout, however, lands ahead of some renown SEC passers who garnered equal or more attention before the season.
Arch Manning is nowhere listed in this new mock draft, with many believing he needs another season with Texas amid his '25 struggles. DJ Lagway of Florida is another unmentioned Southeastern Conference star in this first round mock. Even Garrett Nussmeier of LSU goes from top pick to no mention here.
That makes Sellers the top NFL QB talent from the SEC, for this week only.
Sellers can still draw hefty intrigue with his arm strength and ability to make plays under duress. But his stock boosts if he gets South Carolina out of this current inconsistent period its in.
He'll more than likely command top 10 draft attention if the Gamecocks go on a sudden surge with five straight ranked foes all on deck next.
Carlos Alcaraz Dominates ATP 500, Wins Eighth Title and Secures $1 Million Bonus
Carlos Alcaraz's memorable 2025 got even better after his success at the Japan Open, which ensured he would receive a significant financial sum.
Alcaraz secured a sensational eighth title by defeating Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4. It was his first appearance in Tokyo, and achieving immediate success might make him more likely to return in the future.
That was also Alcaraz's ninth consecutive final, one of the best runs in ATP history. The 22-year-old last failed to reach a final at the 2025 Miami Open over six months ago, falling to Jack Draper in the semifinal.
Understandably, the Spaniard's Grand Slam successes have received the most attention. He stunningly saved three championship points against Jannik Sinner in the 2025 French Open final before triumphing and beating his most significant rival again in the US Open final.
Sinner defeated Alcaraz in the 2025 Wimbledon final. They have contested the last three Grand Slam finals and split every major title between them since the start of 2024, reflecting their dominance of the men's game.
Although the Grand Slams matter the most to players, every tournament and title is important. Alcaraz has an outstanding record at ATP 500 levels, demonstrating his ability and dedication wherever he plays.
In February, Alcaraz won the 2025 Qatar Open, his first title at the venue. Although he did not consistently play his best tennis throughout that tournament, he showed determination and character to dig out five victories.
After losing to Jiri Lehecka at the 2025 Rotterdam Open, Alcaraz reached another 500-level final on home soil at the 2025 Barcelona Open. Unfortunately, he was injury-hampered in the final against Holger Rune and lost.
Alcaraz avenged his defeat against Jiri Lehecka in the final of the 2025 Queen's Club Championships, prevailing 7-5, 6-7, 6-2. The title in Tokyo confirmed a third 500-level title in 2025.
Those results mean Alcaraz is guaranteed to top the bonus pool given to players for ATP 500 tournaments. The player who accumulates the most ranking points from events at that level in a given year receives $1,000,000 (it is split if multiple players at the top have the same points).
There are still 500-level tournaments to be played at the Swiss Indoors in Basel and the Vienna Open, both starting October 20th, but no man can better or equal Alcaraz's points tally regardless of other results.
The financial benefit is Alcaraz's reward for his consistency. After suffering some surprising losses in 2024, many had accused him of not being as good as Jannik Sinner in that regard.
Alcaraz has been utterly relentless and the best player worldwide since this year's clay court swing, culminating in him retaking the No. 1 ranking from Sinner after beating him in the US Open final.
Sinner has many points to defend between now and the end of 2025, including at the Shanghai Masters, which has a great draw. Regaining the No. 1 ranking before the season ends is unlikely.
