The New York Jets' 2024 playoff hopes took a massive hit following their loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

At 3-8, New York will likely need to win out, and root for other teams to lose games along the way, in order to make the postseason.

With such low playoff odds, many have begun turning their attention to the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Jets are currently set to pick seventh. New York could also be searching for their quarterback of the future in the upcoming draft, as Aaron Rodgers turns 41 in December.

However, some draft analysts believe that the Jets may pass up on a quarterback in the first round and instead look to bolster their defense. In ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller's latest mock draft, he has the Jets selecting Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter.

According to Miller, Carter would give the Jets a massive boost to their pass rush, since aside from Will McDonald IV, many of New York's edge rushers have been injured or have simply underperformed.

Related: How Does Cutting Aaron Rodgers Impact Jets' Long-Term Cap Space?

"That's where Carter factors in, as he pivoted from split duty between linebacker and edge his first two seasons to a full-time pass rusher in 2024," Miller said. "He has compiled eight sacks while getting pressure on 16.4% of his snaps (fifth in the nation)."

While Carter certainly may be a talented player, passing up on a quarterback so early in the draft could end up being a mistake. Miller has quarterbacks Carson Beck and Jalen Milroe going later in the first round, and while neither of them are guaranteed to pan out in the NFL, they would still address a larger need than edge rusher.

Related: Could Jets Replace Rodgers With Shedeur Sanders?