The Jets could have three top-10 picks in next year’s NFL Draft: here’s why

The New York Jets are enduring another difficult season, but their long-term outlook offers plenty of reasons for optimism. The franchise currently holds three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, and based on current projections, all three could land inside the top 10.

The draft capital accumulated by general manager Darren Mougey is the result of a rebuilding effort that began with a pair of franchise-altering decisions. New York chose to part ways with two of the cornerstone pieces of its defense, Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, in exchange for draft assets that could now become the foundation of the team’s next era.

Where did the Jets’ three potential first-round picks come from?

The first is their own selection. New York’s struggles during the 2026 season have left the team in position to pick near the top of the draft. At the moment, that selection projects to fall around No. 5 or No. 6 overall, although the order could still shift as the remaining results come in.

The second came from the Indianapolis Colts. In November 2025, the Jets traded two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner in exchange for first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, along with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Indianapolis’ inconsistent season has increased the value of that pick, which is currently projected to land around fourth or fifth overall.

The third arrived via Dallas. New York traded defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys and received a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-rounder, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Under the terms of the deal, the Jets are entitled to the most favorable of the first-round selections owned by Dallas, including the pick acquired from Green Bay in the Micah Parsons trade. As things stand, that selection projects to be around No. 10 overall.

The Jets could have three top-10 picks in next year’s NFL Draft: here’s why CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 04: General Manager Darren Mougey of the New York Jets looks on from the field prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 04, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Michael Reaves/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Michael Reaves / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)MICHAEL REAVESA class loaded with star potential

The appeal of the 2027 NFL Draft extends beyond the sheer number of picks New York controls. The incoming college class features several prospects who are already generating significant buzz among evaluators.

Arch Manning, the Texas quarterback, is among the headliners and could emerge as one of the first players selected. Other highly regarded signal-callers include Dante Moore of Oregon, CJ Carr of Notre Dame, and Julian Sayin of Ohio State, all part of a quarterback group with first-round potential.

At other positions, standout prospects include Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Alabama receiver Ryan Williams, Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons, and Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. Their projections could still fluctuate throughout their college careers, but they are part of a class rich in talent at premium positions.

For the Jets, the opportunity is enormous. If the current projections hold, Mougey will have three chances to select from among the best prospects available. The franchise sacrificed established stars to acquire that draft capital. Now, the challenge is turning those assets into a foundation strong enough to bring New York back into playoff contention.

When and where is the 2027 NFL Draft?

Next year’s NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 29 to May 1, 2027, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

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