Just how close are the New York Jets to earning the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The lowly Jets have struggled mightily this season, but you might be shocked to find out that the team is not in prime position right now to claim the first selection in next year’s draft.
As of now, Tankathon estimates that the 2-7 Jets will earn the fifth overall pick if the season ended on Thursday. That is behind the Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, respectively.
That’s a pretty stark reality for Jets fans hoping to win out on the top pick in next year’s draft. However, Thursday night’s away game against the New England Patriots, a likely loss barring a major shock, could move the Jets up a bit if one or more of those other teams win this weekend.
Dreams of Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza or Oregon quarterback Dante Moore playing in a Jets uniform aren’t dead, of course. However, last Sunday’s Jets win over the Browns has bumped New York down a bit in the draft standings. They’re bad, but not bad enough to win the draft sweepstakes.
A lot will change, but this is where things stand as of Thursday.