Jets' 2027 mock draft lands underwhelming QB prospect along with blue-chip defenders

After Week 4's demoralizing loss at the hands of the Chicago Bears, it's fair for New York Jets fans to want to start flushing this season and look ahead to next season, where things always seem to be brighter than whatever is currently going on at 1 Jets Drive.

With 2027 in particular, there's plenty of reason for excitement. The Jets have three first-round picks in what is supposed to be a generational class, and a real opportunity to add blue-chip talent at positions of real importance, namely, quarterback.

Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo recently published a mock draft after the conclusion of Sunday's Week 4 NFL games, and it kicks off with the Jets landing the quarterback they probably would've drafted this past April had he not returned to school for another season.

2027 mock draft lands New York Jets a new QB and 2 hopeful defensive starters

Round 1, Pick No. 7 overall, Oregon QB Dante Moore

Melo has Texas' Arch Manning and Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss as the first two quarterbacks off the board in his mock draft, leaving the Jets with Oregon's Dante Moore at No. 7 overall. Moore is considered one of the class's top prospects, but has had an underwhelming start to his 2026 season.

"Oregon quarterback Dante Moore suffered a scary-looking concussion in a win over USC and will now be sidelined for an undetermined amount of time. The setback complicates his scouting report, as did an ugly early-season showing versus Oklahoma State."

At this point in the process, picking Moore here feels like a bit of a reach. Notre Dame's C.J. Carr and even Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker feel like better prospects and would give the Jets' fanbase some more excitement about the future.

Round 1, Pick No. 12 overall (via Dallas), Ole Miss DT Will Echoles

Editor's note: Melo's mock draft was released before the Dallas Cowboys' loss on Thursday night in Week 5. The Cowboys now hold the 10th overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

After watching the Jets' virtually invisible pass rush over the last few weeks, it's clear the team needs some juice on their defensive line. Whether that's another edge or a pass-rushing defensive tackle, New York needs something, and Melo has them opting for Ole Miss' Will Echoles with the Dallas Cowboys' draft pick.

"The Jets aren't receiving enough pass-rushing production from their defensive line, and that's especially true across the interior. Ole Miss' Will Echoles possesses dominant upside as a three-technique. Size, speed, and first-step explosiveness are evident throughout his frame."

Defensive tackle may end up being a sneaky need for the Jets heading into 2027. Harrison Phillips, David Onyemata, and Jowon Briggs are all playing on one-year deals, and New York is unlikely to retain all of them for another season. Echoles would be a fine addition to an already decent group.

Round 1, Pick No. 13 overall (via Indianapolis), Georgia CB Ellis Robinson IV

Finally, with the pick the Jets got back in the Sauce Gardner trade with the Indianapolis Colts, Melo has New York selecting a cornerback to replace what they lost in Gardner: a true No. 1 cornerback who can shut down the other team's best pass catcher.

"The Jets don't possess a true No. 1 cornerback on the roster. We're not even convinced they have a legitimate No. 2 (boundary) corner either. Georgia's Ellis Robinson IV recorded four interceptions last year, and he's already notched one interception and four pass breakups this campaign."

Azareye'h Thomas has been a nice development for the Jets through four games in 2026, but it's unclear if he has what it takes to be your No. 1 guy. Brandon Stephens is good in spurts, but consistency is key. Robinson could be the long-term cornerback they're looking for across from Thomas in the secondary.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow