We are already discussing this in the 2026 Draft - QB Prospects but The Athletic has a very good article about the topic. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6801573/2025/11/13/nfl-mock-draft-jets-ty-simpson-julian-sayin/ By Zack Rosenblatt, Dane Brugler and Nick Baumgardner When the New York Jets traded Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, arguably their two best players, they announced to the NFL world that this season was no longer a priority. The rest of 2025 is about the future. It’s hard to blame them. The Jets were 1-7 at the trade deadline (2-7 now), and had acquired enough draft capital to completely overhaul the roster and infuse it with young, cost-controlled talent. Last week, head coach Aaron Glenn backtracked on his preseason statement that he wanted fans to be proud of the team at the end of this season. “I want this to be a team the fans are proud of, but I never said they were going to be proud of them right now,” Glenn said after the trades. “At some point, I want this to be a team the fans are proud of.” At some point. If Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey hit on their draft picks, maybe the fans will get there. Truth is, the Jets really only need to hit on one of those selections: the quarterback. Rest assured, they will be drafting a quarterback at some point — maybe in 2026, maybe in 2027. They’ll then try to accomplish what the Jets have, historically, failed to do: build the infrastructure to set that quarterback up for success. That’s where all of the other draft picks come in. Should the Jets load up on talent in this draft cycle so the roster is at its peak when they add a quarterback in 2027, or should they take a QB in 2026 and then build around that player? I asked The Athletic draft experts Dane Brugler and Nick Baumgardner to lay out their selections for the Jets’ next two drafts — one (Baumgardner) by taking a quarterback in 2026; the other (Brugler) by holding off until 2027. Scenario 1: Draft a QB in 2026 2026 draft Round 1: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama We can’t rule out Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza or Oregon’s Dante Moore here. But even though Simpson’s lack of experience is going to scare people, he’s easily the best processor in what is an imperfect QB class. A tough and accurate thrower, Simpson would make Garrett Wilson’s life easier a bit quicker than some might think. Round 1: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU One of the only consistent bright spots on a disappointing LSU team, Delane has been a physical and productive man coverage corner throughout his career, including a previous stop at Virginia Tech. Aaron Glenn is an aggressive coach who demands his corners be capable on an island. Delane qualifies. Round 2: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State The prospect known as “Big Citrus” is an extremely powerful and explosive presence in the middle. Orange is strong enough to two-gap inside at nose tackle, and also athletic enough to move out and play some three tech. He’s a pocket pusher who can defend the run. Round 2: Emmanuel Pregnon, G/C, Oregon Pregnon was good enough at USC last season that he could have been drafted somewhere in the 2025 class. He’s been even better this year at Oregon and looks like a Day 1 NFL starter along the interior. 2027 draft Round 1: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State Smith is the best player in the country right now, despite the fact he won’t be eligible for the draft until next spring. He is the type of dominant playmaker who can make everyone’s job easier, especially his quarterback’s. He’s a future star and arguably the most physically gifted receiver in this magical recent stretch of Ohio State talent. Round 1: Dylan Stewart, edge, South Carolina The Jets might need some help in the form of the Cowboys or Colts flopping next season to get a double-dip like this, but it’s possible. Stewart was electric as a true freshman in 2024, and though his production has dipped a bit this season, the 6-foot-5, 245-pounder has the goods to eventually be a top-10 pick. Round 1: Koi Perich, S, Minnesota Another current sophomore who was outstanding as a freshman, Perich had five interceptions for the Gophers in 2024. He’s an explosive, agile safety with great ball skills and potential as a kick/punt returner. Perich has been a bit more human in coverage this season but, again, he’s still very young — and the potential in his game is huge. Round 2: LJ Martin, RB, BYU The 6-2, 220-pound Martin had 823 yards in nine games before suffering a shoulder injury around Halloween. One of the country’s hardest players to tackle, Martin was averaging more than four yards per carry after contact and had 40 forced missed tackles on 143 attempts. Final thoughts Plenty of evidence suggests the Jets may wait until 2027 to draft a quarterback, which could be smart given that some of the top talent in this draft — including Moore, Mendoza and even Simpson — all may return to college for 2026. Sellers, Julian Sayin and Arch Manning also might be options in the ’27 draft. However, we can see the flexibility the Jets would have if they select their next QB immediately. It’s tough to say the Jets have a team that’s ready for an inexperienced rookie quarterback. Same time, New York still has Wilson and some intriguing pieces on the offensive line. No matter what, though, New York could find eight quality starters with its early-round picks over the next two drafts. — Baumgardner
Scenario 2: Wait until 2027 to draft a QB 2026 draft Round 1: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State There might be just one or two quarterbacks in this year’s first round. So, if the Browns, Raiders or Saints finish higher than the Jets in the draft order, they could box out New York from a 2026 QB. Though that is not ideal for a franchise that is rudderless at the most important position, the Jets’ front office stockpiled 2027 draft capital for a reason. If the Jets don’t use their first pick this April on a quarterback, wide receiver would to the top of the priority list. Tyson can work across the formation, and he’s dangerous because of his ability to create his own space. A hamstring injury is about the only thing that has slowed him down this season. Round 1: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson The Jets have bodies at cornerback, but the Gardner trade leaves a void that must be addressed this offseason. Terrell, younger brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, is a hyper-alert cover man with the aggressive nature that will speak directly to Glenn. Round 2: A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon At 6-3 and 330 pounds, Washington has an impressive blend of agility and power. A first-year starter this season for the Ducks, he is still figuring out how to use his rare skill set to be a more consistent pass rusher, but he is already a strong run defender and his upside is off the charts. Round 2: Emmanuel Pregnon, G/C, Oregon Depending on how free agency goes, the Jets could be looking for interior offensive line help in the draft. Pregnon (6-4, 320) is a good-sized blocker with initial quickness off the snap and the power to create movement at contact. 2027 Draft Round 1: Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State It is cliché to say “next year’s quarterback class will be better,” but there is a good chance that will turn out to be fact. Whether you prefer production or potential in a quarterback prospect, Sayin offers a good mix of both. Some doubters will say, “Well, look at his receivers, of course he is good.” And there is no way around that — Ohio State’s wide receivers are elite. But this isn’t a case of pass catchers propping up an average passer. For a redshirt freshman, Sayin has showed tremendous poise, rhythm and ball placement, and he will be a very high pick if he maintains his steady improvement. Round 1: Boubacar Traore, edge, Notre Dame This pick likely won’t be high enough for the Jets to land Stewart or Texas’ Colin Simmons, but Traore would be an interesting option later in the first round. The Notre Dame pass rusher attacks with a ton of juice, and scouts are excited to see where he will be a year from now. Round 1: KJ Bolden, S, Georgia A former five-star recruit, Bolden learned behind Malaki Starks and Dan Jackson last season before taking over as one of the Bulldogs’ young playmakers in 2025. If he continues on this trajectory, the Georgia native will find himself in next year’s first round. Round 2: Whit Weeks, LB, LSU Weeks could be part of the 2026 class, but he has been banged up this season so it wouldn’t be surprising if he returns to college. Because of his diagnose skills and closing speed, he has an NFL future ahead of him, regardless of when he goes pro. Final thoughts If I were the general manager of the Jets, ideally I’d be coming away with a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft to get the rebuild going and start to construct the roster around him. But if the Jets don’t fall in love with any of the 2026 quarterbacks (or can’t draft one because of where they land in Round 1), it might be a blessing in disguise, because the 2027 quarterback class has a chance to be special. Honestly, the ’27 class as a whole looks stronger than ’26, including at the top with a premier talent such as Smith. Regardless of whether the Jets draft a quarterback this year or next, they have positioned themselves well. — Brugler
You take one regardless if it’s within the first four picks or the mid rounds. The Jets need to add two QB’s to the roster next year. If they take one in 2026 and he looks like he absolutely sucks (which also means we’ll be drafting high again), they’ve given themselves the luxury of being able to take another one in 2027 given all the draft picks we have. Teams don’t do this, but they should. If you take Jake Locker, don’t marry Jake Locker.
Okay JV but the neither Mendoza nor Moore looked impressive when I watched them multiple times. I don't know man. Sounds really better to skip 2026 entirely, sign a vet and compete for playoffs.
What vet are you getting that’s giving you a chance at getting to compete for the playoffs? The only two guys that remotely interest me are Malik Willis and Sam Howell because of the relative unknown. Other than that I’m passing on almost all of those guys and none of them are giving you a chance to compete for the playoffs. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/available/_/year/2026/position/qb I’m still not sure if I’m sold on Mendoza, but I’m taking a QB in the draft this year even if it’s a fourth rounder.
In his 1st scenario the 2027 draft would be transformational. Jeremiah Smith, Koi Perich and Dylan Stewart would be an incredible draft that will we talk about for years to come so maybe I like the idea of a QB in 2026
When it’s all laid out with actual options at all the other picks, QB in 2026 is the much better path IMO. But that could be the 2027 Jeremiah Smith pick talkin… what I wouldn’t give to have that kid in a Jets uni for life. Its gonna be tough to stomach going CB with a pick that we just traded our all-pro CB for though…
They might even have THREE new QBs next year. Fields is gone, Taylor is free agent, and Cook is just a taxi squad guy., I actually wish Cook would get his chance against the Ravens. Let's see what he has got. What is there to lose? The fact that they won't give Cook a chance in a lost season may be an indication on whether they bring him back or switch to another undrafted 3rd string QB in 2026.
I just don’t think the Jets are going to be in the market to use a top pick on a corner. They brought in Stephens, drafted AZ, brought in Brownlee and this Taylor guy. Not to say any of those realistically fill the void, but following a bit of the Lions model, they tried to fix the trenches first in 2021 and 2022 with a makeshift secondary before taking Branch and then two corners in 2024.
Unless things go to hell in the next month or two, CB is not one of the areas they should prioritize. You need to see what you have in AZ Thomas and minus a play or two, there have been good signs. I also think Stiggers can play. If it's secondary, I'd say a safety is a higher priority
So true on Jeremiah Smith but also Ryan Williams at Alabama is incredible in that same draft. 2 WRs with gold jacket potential
Im just basing it off the mock from The Athletic above. And the Lions approach is the one I'd hope they take. You can't sink that kinda money into Stephens and a 3rd rounder into AZ then use a first or 2nd on a CB a year later. Unless AZ tremendously shits the bed from here on out that just can't be the move regardless of who we take with our first pick. It's odd to me that in both scenarios they have us going CB.
Yea, it's becoming very very clear what the path should be here. If you give a young QB an OL, a run game, Garrett Wilson, Mason Taylor, hopefully a legit WR2 whether it ends up being AD Mitchell or a pick/FA singing this year, and then a top tier WR the following year you've done your job quite well as a GM.
That was a damn fine article. Here's my biggest problem with these mediocre QB's at the top of the 2026 draft. So, you go and get one. They, then, spend 2026 getting their asses completely handed to them due to the lack of a team around them. Oh, BTW with no real development to speak of because, unfortunately, we do not have that offensive presence, that we know of, on the team. Seeing as I'm all out of hope, HOPING Engstrand is that guy is not in my deck of "discussion topics." It's a wait and see for me on Tanner. So, now, you go into 2027 with a QB that has had his confidence completely shattered, along with probably some sack records, and now we're adding a crap ton of talent that he won't be able to utilize because he'll be re-visiting Sam Darnold's "ghosts." For my $$, you go into 2027 having drafted a mid-round guy in 2026 so you're keeping the position stocked with fodder and you go get one of these potential "world beater" QB's that, from what I'm reading, are not just superior but VASTLY superior to the crop in 2026. But what do I know. Loved that article though. How cool would it be to have even half those players that the writers described. Especially that kid Orange. You KNOW that fucker's a monster because, with a last name of Orange, he was getting his ass kicked on the playground from a young age. Scrapper anyone?
[QUOTE="Jonathan_Vilma, post: 4470394, member: 2259"]I just don’t think the Jets are going to be in the market to use a top pick on a corner. They brought in Stephens, drafted AZ, brought in Brownlee and this Taylor guy. Not to say any of those realistically fill the void, but following a bit of the Lions model, they tried to fix the trenches first in 2021 and 2022 with a makeshift secondary before taking Branch and then two corners in 2024.[/QUOTE] This team has plenty of CBs. Top picks should be QB, WR, DT, DE and MLB. Use lower rounds to fill OL CB, and S. Don't draft RB or OLB. Resign or transition Hall. Cut Fields, don't resign Taylor or Ruckert. McDonald should be 3rd down rusher only. And somehow, some way get the defense to generate more turnovers. Good grief, how many INTs do we have this year?
This team has plenty of CBs. Top picks should be QB, WR, DT, DE and MLB. Use lower rounds to fill OL CB, and S. Don't draft RB or OLB. Resign or transition Hall. Cut Fields, don't resign Taylor or Ruckert. McDonald should be 3rd down rusher only. And somehow, some way get the defense to generate more turnovers. Good grief, how many INTs do we have this year?[/QUOTE] Zero. We have exactly ZERO picks. We have 1 fumble recovery for a grand total of (historically terrible) a single take away through 10 games. It is hard to believe. We also have the worst offense (I think, or maybe close to it) with like averaging last I saw about 139 pass yards per game. There is enough blame to go around on all of this. Wilks is terrible…going into the season I thought he was a good hire as I know he’s had successful defenses in the past though he failed as an HC…boy was I wrong…I guess those defenses must have been long ago. The defensive roster is not great (and less so now without Q and Sauce), but I don’t think we were THIS bad…this coaching staff has failed to coach up players or maximize their talents on D. I get it may take time to install a new scheme, so there is the possibility of growth here, but this has been a terrible defense led by a terrible coaching staff. On O, you can blame a lot of it on Fields, but AG gets NO pass from me on this…Fields was his chosen guy, so fuck it, he has to own it. Flat out, this coaching staff has failed big time in pretty much all measurable metrics…they took a bad team and somehow made it even worse. The exact opposite of what a good coaching staff will do, which is maximize the skills of the roster. This has been far from it. We have two wins against very bad teams…nothing to pin hopes on.
Got to be honest here, I was flat out stunned they brought on Wilks. Kind of surprised he's still in the league to be honest. He was fired, one and done, from the 49'ers after a horrendous Super Bowl showing. He replaced Demeco Ryans when he got the job in Houston. I remember Shanahan FLYING down the sidelines calling a timeout because of the high school level Defensive calls all game long. That one (Shanahan running for the timeout) was particular distinct as the Chief's were marching to, what ultimately, turned out as the winning drive I believe. Wilks defense shit the bed all over the place that day but I do remember, distinctly, that specific situation. If Wilks defense hadn't shit the bed the 49'ers would have won that game going away.
The most consistent things I can think of from the Jets over the past decade and a half are pitifully low turnover rates and pitifully low passing numbers.
