With Frank Reich now in place as the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator, the search for a quarterback who fits his mold is officially on. Reich has a well-documented track record of working best with big-bodied, strong-armed passers who can operate from the pocket and stretch the field vertically. That profile gives us a clear lens through which to evaluate potential fits - and with the NFL Draft looming in April, there are a couple of intriguing names who check a lot of those boxes.
Let’s take a closer look at two developmental quarterbacks in this year’s draft class who align well with what Reich typically looks for under center.
Sawyer Robertson, Baylor
Sawyer Robertson might not be a household name just yet, but his skill set is tailor-made for a coach like Frank Reich. The 23-year-old began his college career at Mississippi State before transferring to Baylor, where he spent the last three seasons developing into one of the more intriguing arm talents in the country.
In 2025, Robertson put up 3,681 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, completing just over 60% of his throws. That stat line doesn’t just tell us he can sling it - it tells us he did it with volume and aggressiveness.
He averaged 7.3 yards per attempt and ranked third in the FBS in touchdown passes, sixth in passing yards. Those are not empty numbers.
But the real story with Robertson is what you see on tape. The arm strength jumps off the screen.
He’s got a lightning-quick release and can drive the ball into tight windows at all three levels of the field. Whether it’s a deep shot down the sideline or a laser over the middle, he delivers with velocity and confidence.
And he’s not just a pocket statue, either. Over the past two seasons, Robertson added 481 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
In 2024, he averaged 6.6 yards per carry - good for 11th among 98 qualified FBS quarterbacks. That kind of mobility, especially when paired with his size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds), gives him the kind of dual-threat upside that can be developed into something more with the right coaching.
Robertson also turned heads at the Senior Bowl practices, showcasing his arm talent and poise against top-tier competition. He currently sits at No. 150 on the consensus draft board, which puts him in late-round territory - the exact kind of flier a team like the Jets could take if they’re looking to stash and develop a quarterback behind a veteran.
Bottom line: Robertson has the tools - size, arm, mobility - and if Reich is looking for a moldable prospect who fits his system, this is a name to watch.
Drew Allar, Penn State
If you’re looking for upside, Drew Allar might be the most intriguing Day 3 quarterback in this year’s draft.
Allar’s 2024 season had him on a rocket ship to the top of the draft boards. He was one of the most efficient and productive quarterbacks in the country, ranking seventh in completion percentage (66.5%), sixth in yards per attempt (8.4), and sixth in passer rating (104.5). He led Penn State to the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they narrowly fell to eventual champion Notre Dame.
At that point, Allar was generating legitimate first-round buzz - and not just as a late riser. There were conversations about him being the first quarterback off the board.
But then came the setback.
In Week 6 of the 2025 season, Allar suffered a broken left ankle against Northwestern. Just like that, his season - and his climb - was cut short. He chose to return to Penn State for his junior year instead of declaring early, but the injury derailed what was shaping up to be a breakout campaign.
Still, the traits are undeniable. Allar stands 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, and has one of the strongest arms in this class. He’s shown the ability to climb the pocket, adjust his arm angle, and make throws on the move - the kind of advanced traits that project well at the next level, especially under a coach like Reich who values pocket presence and vertical passing.
Allar currently slots in at No. 157 on the consensus big board, making him another potential late-round option. For a team like the Jets, who may be looking to pair a veteran starter with a high-upside developmental QB, Allar brings the kind of physical tools and pedigree that make the gamble worth it.
The Reich Fit
Both Robertson and Allar bring a lot to the table in terms of what Frank Reich has historically looked for in his quarterbacks: size, arm strength, and the ability to operate from the pocket. They’re not finished products - far from it - but that’s exactly the point. These are players who could benefit from sitting behind a veteran, learning the system, and developing under a coach who knows how to get the most out of his signal-callers.
The Jets don’t need to find their long-term answer in the later rounds of the draft - but if they can land a high-upside project who fits Reich’s mold, they might just find themselves with a diamond in the rough.