In the lead up to the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Jets’ new regime faces an existential decision on how to handle their nascent rebuild’s starting quarterback. Just as important, the immediate decisions they make will greatly determine the franchise’s future. Here are three factors working in the Jets’ favor that may help sway their decision. They can decide to draft a quarterback this year, based on the quality of the draft class and their own draft capital or they risk waiting until 2027 to strike.
The NFL’s business is completely predicated on a rapid fire timeline, and the Jets are guilty of this just as much as anyone else. They hold all three first-round picks in 2027, a reality that could loom large over their decision-making. The 2027 quarterback class is rapidly establishing itself as the best class of quarterbacks in the modern recruiting area. This reputation adds to the Jets’ current drafting predicament.
The 2026 NFL Draft will begin on April 23 in Pittsburgh. It’s the Jets under the gun. Here’s the catch for the Jets — they’ll need to make a quick decision on their strategy.
Evaluating the Quarterback Landscape
In looking at what’s before them, the Jets need to weigh short-term needs and long-term development. Dante Moore, a freshman QB from Oregon, has quickly become one of the consensus top-QB prospects in this year’s class. Though he’s still just a third-year sophomore, Moore has already accumulated 17 career starts in his two seasons. NFL scouts have been drooling over the huge senior season he’s had. He has quickly turned into one of the leading candidates for teams looking for a new quarterback.
Many analysts would argue that waiting until 2027 might prove more fruitful, with bigger wins to be had. According to most scouting reports, this year’s QB crop is the best bet to infuse immediate talent and depth. That potential shift might be enough to push the Jets toward a franchise-changing offensive selection. The dilemma is stark: do they gamble on a less proven player now or wait for a stronger field of candidates?
“No. 6 is as good as I’ve seen. Going back 20-plus years, I don’t know if anybody’s impacted the game more.” – Kirk Ferentz
How these assessments go will play a huge role in how the Jets approach the upcoming offseason. They should first weigh the chance vs. complication of taking a QB this draft.
Defensive Standouts and Offensive Needs
As much as the ESPN studio chatter is filled with quarterback discussions, the Jets can’t afford to ignore other positions that need focus. The first name out of everyone’s mouths nearly every time is Reese, an elite defensive tackle from Ohio State. He’s done a hell of a job and proven to be unbelievably consistent all season long. His presence has been key for an Ohio State defense that leads the FBS at just 7.8 points a game allowed.
Ohio State’s defense might be even better. That all makes Reese an attractive option for teams looking to add some beef to their defensive front. His elite one-on-one defensive abilities would surely have an impact on the Jets’ game plan. They may decide to hold off on drafting a quarterback.
Unlike defensive prospects such as Reese, there’s offensive talent to be had as well. Lemon is one of the best slot receivers in this entire draft class. His gaudy numbers this season speak for themselves, as Moore has posted 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdown catches. This type of performance helps the Jets in multiple ways as they try to improve their current underwhelming receiving corps.
Weighing Options and Future Implications
As the draft date continues to draw near, so does the need for clear-headed decision-making urgency. The Jets have short-term needs and a long-term vision that need to be calibrated and synced perfectly. That may not sound as impressive, but their three first-round picks in 2027 give them flexibility and leverage that they can use to build their future.
All this means that teams across the league are focusing their draft strategies more than ever. Mostly, though, everyone is closely watching how the Jets will approach the quarterback position. The impact of their decision goes beyond just the 2025 season. It would arguably establish the course for several seasons in the future.
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