Jets lock top spot for 2026 NFL Draft as quarterback race heats up

When New York Jets stumbled to an 0-5 start, they unexpectedly clinched the league's coveted No. 1 slot for the 2026 NFL Draft. The loss‑laden season left the Jets as the sole winless team after the New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans each secured their first victories on Sunday. Suddenly, the Jets' draft board became the hottest topic on sports talk shows, because a franchise that can’t win now is already planning its future glory.

Why the Jets own the top pick

The NFL’s draft order mirrors the previous season's standings, and with every other team earning at least one win, the Jets sit alone at the bottom of the standings. Justin Fields, the quarterback the Jets acquired in a high‑profile trade, has struggled to spark the offense, prompting front‑office brass to admit that the team’s rebuild will likely start at the very top of the draft. Analysts from Tankathon project the Jets retaining the first overall selection unless a massive trade up the ladder materializes.

The quarterback carousel: Who could be No. 1?

Most mock drafts now spotlight a handful of college signal‑callers, each with a distinct skill set. The consensus big board from the NFL Mock Draft Database currently lists LaNorris Sellers of South Carolina as the top quarterback prospect, praised for his arm strength and poise under pressure. Hot on his heels is Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, a dual‑threat who can extend plays with his legs.

Further down the list, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier holds the fourth spot, while Oregon’s Dante Moore—a former backup who seized the starting role after Dillon Gabriel’s injury—has surged into serious first‑overall conversation thanks to his recent burst of production and improved decision‑making.

Even though Moore currently sits at #11 on the consensus board, his performance in the late‑season games has many scouts saying his upside rivals the top‑ranked prospects. Should the Jets decide to gamble on a player with a higher ceiling than a proven veteran, Moore could become the premium pick.

Other teams eyeing the quarterback pool

The Cleveland Browns, perched at a potential #2 slot, face their own quarterback dilemma. After drafting two QBs in 2025, the Browns may still look to add a ‘best‑player‑available’ talent, but some analysts suggest they could pivot toward defense, targeting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Downs, praised for his ball‑hawking ability, could become a cornerstone of a secondary that already boasts Pro Bowl talent.

The Baltimore Ravens have a different need altogether. Sitting 1‑4 after a slew of injuries, they’re desperate for an elite edge rusher. Miami’s Rueben Bain—a ten‑tackle, sack‑heavy defensive end—has emerged as a candidate to bolster Baltimore’s pass rush once he recovers from a minor shoulder strain.

Jets' broader roster overhaul

Beyond the quarterback slot, the Jets have a laundry list of positions to address. Wide receiver, defensive line, cornerback, and tight end all feature prominently on their draft board. Free‑agency chatter adds another layer: linebacker Quincy Williams may test the market, guard Alijah Vera‑Tucker could chase a new deal, while running back Breece Hall is projected as a possible departure as well. Tight end Jeremy Ruckert and edge rusher Micheal Clemons round out a potential exodus that makes the draft even more critical for New York.

Why the 2026 draft feels different already

Historically, teams only start serious draft speculation after the regular season winds down. This year, three franchises—already secured second first‑round picks from trades made during the 2025 draft—are looking ahead, creating a “draft‑first” mindset that’s unusual for a league still in the thick of competition. Moreover, with seven teams now clinging to just a single win after Week 5, the playoff picture looks bleak for a sizable chunk of the league. Those clubs have effectively shifted their focus from postseason hopes to rebuilding strategies, magnifying the impact of the upcoming draft.

Key takeaways

• The Jets, thanks to an 0‑5 start, hold the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
• Quarterback prospects on the hot‑seat include Dante Moore (Oregon), LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina), and Fernando Mendoza (Indiana).
• The Browns may target safety Caleb Downs instead of a quarterback, while the Ravens eye edge rusher Rueben Bain.
• Multiple Jets players could become free agents, making the draft a crucial tool for a roster overhaul.
• Seven teams with only one win are already planning for 2026, shifting league focus from playoffs to long‑term rebuilding.