The year’s NFL draft is critical for the New York Jets, who own four top-44 picks and two top-16 selections. That much is clear.
What the team will ultimately do with that capital, though, remains a mystery, just like every team in the league.
Speaking to reporters at the NFL’s annual owners meetings, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn shed some light on the organization’s draft approach.
When asked about the possibility of drafting a quarterback, with Alabama’s Ty Simpson floated as an option, Glenn clarified the team’s draft philosophy.
“You always want to build your roster with players, no matter what position that is,” Glenn said. “I mean, obviously, the quarterback is a top position on the team, and if we feel like he’s the best player on the board, then that’s what we do, that’s who we draft.”
“The thing is, we are not trying to reach and grab for guys,” he continued. “We’re trying to just grab the best players.”
Aaron Glenn on the possibility of the Jets drafting a QB in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, with Ty Simpson brought up as an option:
“If we feel like he’s the best player on the board, that’s who we draft – we’re not trying to reach and grab for guys” pic.twitter.com/5zW1KdFAtZ
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) March 31, 2026
As has been discussed ad nauseam, the Jets’ flexibility in this year’s draft is endless. They are not in a position where they need to force an early quarterback selection in a class widely viewed as thin at the position.
Instead, the Jets can focus on adding high-end talent, strengthening the offensive supporting cast, and filling out the remainder of the defense.
The Jets’ goal in this year’s draft should be to build the most complete roster possible, then position themselves to land a franchise quarterback in the 2027 draft, when the class is widely expected to be significantly stronger. Gang Green holds three first-round picks in that draft.
As Jets fans have seen firsthand, a young quarterback’s success is largely predicated upon having a viable supporting cast. If they stay patient, the Jets can insert a rookie into a fantastic situation in 2027.