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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How likely is Dante Moore to go #1 overall?
Moore’s rise from backup to starter at Oregon has vaulted him into serious first‑overall conversation. While the consensus board still lists him at #11, his recent performances—averaging over 300 passing yards and a 14‑touchdown season—have convinced several scouts that a high‑risk, high‑reward pick could pay off for the Jets.
What does the Jets' free‑agency situation mean for the draft?
With players like Quincy Williams and Breece Hall likely to test the market, New York could find itself short on talent at multiple positions. That scarcity amplifies the value of early‑round picks, prompting the front office to consider using the first overall pick on a quarterback who can also attract other high‑profile free agents later.
Why are the Browns considering a defensive player over a quarterback?
The Browns drafted two quarterbacks in 2025, but their overall roster still needs a play‑making defender. Safety Caleb Downs, a ball‑hawking junior at Ohio State, offers a blend of size and instincts that could instantly upgrade Cleveland’s secondary, making him an attractive ‘best‑available’ choice at #2.
What impact does the early focus on the 2026 draft have on teams still fighting for playoffs?
For clubs with only one win, the realistic path to competitiveness lies in rebuilding rather than a fleeting playoff push. By drafting early, they can secure foundational talent that could shorten the turnaround timeline, even if it means abandoning any slim postseason hopes this season.
How do the second first‑round picks from 2025 trades affect the 2026 draft order?
Three teams already own an additional first‑round slot thanks to trades made during the 2025 draft. This means that after the top picks, the draft could see a flurry of selections as those teams exercise their extra slots, potentially reshaping the talent distribution well before the later rounds begin.
Sihle Tana
I am a journalist with a passion for covering daily news in Africa. My work has taken me across the continent, reporting on significant events and stories that impact communities. I strive to bring insightful and comprehensive news coverage to my readers.
OMG the Jets are *so* cursed right now, can't even win a single game lol!!! It's like they signed a deal with the Jinx gods 😂
They’re probably hiding the real #1 QB from us – some secret league committee is pulling strings behind the scenes 😒🤯. The draft board is a puppet show and the Jets are the main marionette.
Looks like the Jets have a chance to reset the whole team. The draft could change everything for them
Yo bro, this is America’s pride! If the Jets snatch a killer QB they’ll bounce back like a roaring eagle 💥. No more losers, only winners now!
It’s really interesting to see how the Jets have turned their early‑season struggles into a silver lining for the future. Securing the No. 1 pick gives them the flexibility to target a franchise‑changing quarterback, which is exactly what they need after a 0‑5 start. The consensus list shows several intriguing options, from LaNorris Sellers’ raw arm strength to Fernando Mendoza’s dual‑threat ability. While Sellers looks like a traditional pocket passer, Mendoza could add a new dimension to the Jets’ offense with his legs. Dante Moore’s recent surge is also worth keeping an eye on; his rapid improvement has surprised many scouts. If the Jets decide to gamble on a high‑upside player, Moore might be the perfect fit. On the other hand, going with a proven leader could help stabilize the locker room quickly. The Browns’ shift toward safety Caleb Downs at #2 demonstrates how teams are balancing immediate needs with best‑available talent. Meanwhile, the Ravens eyeing Rueben Bain shows that defensive upgrades are also in high demand. For the Jets, the broader roster overhaul means they’ll have to juggle multiple positions in the draft, from wide receiver to edge rusher. Free‑agency exits like Quincy Williams and Breece Hall add urgency to those decisions. It’s a complex puzzle, but with the right strategy the Jets can rebuild efficiently. Fans should stay hopeful; the draft often produces unexpected gems that can change a franchise’s trajectory. Ultimately, the success of this plan will depend on smart scouting, solid coaching, and a bit of luck.
Indeed, the Jets’ strategic calculus must transcend mere talent acquisition; they must cultivate a cultural renaissance that aligns with the franchise’s historic ethos-an ethos demanding both visionary leadership and relentless execution. The draft, therefore, is not just a procurement event but a crucible for identity formation, where each selection reverberates beyond the gridiron.
One must consider the symbiotic relationship between quarterback stability and defensive vigor, lest the organization fall prey to systemic imbalance. By meticulously weighing the probabilistic outcomes of each prospect, the Jets can architect a sustainable competitive framework.