Jets' 6 biggest NFL Draft needs as 2026 spirals out of control

The New York Jets are a much better team in 2026 than they were in 2025, but poor coaching from Aaron Glenn has this team sitting at 2-6 almost midway through the year. The attention will soon shift to Darren Mougey and the 2027 NFL Draft.

The roster has plenty of talent, especially on offense, but Mougey can't rest on his laurels. The defense needs to be completely overhauled, though the Jets have three first-round picks they could use to achieve this task.

The needs on this roster are glaring and obvious, and it would behoove Mougey to look at these six spots above all else when trying to add young cornerstones.

New York Jets 6 biggest 2027 NFL Draft needs

6. Center

Josh Myers is the one weak link on an otherwise strong offensive line, and it might be time to invest in another lineman. Dylan Parham has been phenomenal, but the gap between him and Jordan Meredith showed that the lack of depth on this roster right now is killer.

Possible Picks: Greg Johnson (Minnesota), Kade Pieper (Iowa), Anthonie Knapp (Notre Dame)

5. Outside cornerback

Brandon Stephens has been solid this year, but he's not a long-term No. 1 corner. Azareye’h Thomas is in that same boat, as the young player has been very up-and-down (mostly up) in the last few weeks. Leonard Moore would be the big swing, especially if D'Angelo Ponds stays in the slot, but there are a few other enticing options at the back end of the first round.

Possible Picks: Leonard Moore (Notre Dame), Ellis Robinson IV (Georgia), Kelley Jones (Mississippi State).

4. Long-term linebacker

Demario Davis is coming to the end of his career, and Jamien Sherwood regressing at an inopportune time likely means he will not be back in 2027. This class is thin, meaning that if the Jets don't prioritize landing a Davis replacement and/or running mate

Possible Picks: Chris Cole (Georgia), Kynngston Viliamu-Asa (Notre Dame), Sammy Brown (Clemson)

3. Disruptive defensive tackle

T'Vondre Sweat is tremendous, and Darrell Jackson Jr. has started to flash in defending the run, but Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs both regressing have left the Jets with a critically obvious need for an interior pass rusher. Be it in a 3-4 or 4-3 next season,

Possible Picks: Will Echoles (Ole Miss), Xavier Gilliam (Tennessee), Devan Thompkins (Alabama)

2. Pass rusher

David Bailey is the only player teams go into games fearing even a bit, and he's a rookie. This team needs a star next to him, preferably one who is a bit bigger and more comfortable winning with power. Speed guys like Will McDonald have proven to be poor counterparts to Bailey.

Possible Picks: Colin Simmons (Texas), Dylan Stewart (South Carolina), Yhonzae Pierre (Alabama)

1. Franchise quarterback

Geno Smith has been terrific this season, so much so that emulating the Kirk Cousins/Fernando Mendoza plan and bringing him back in 2027 seems like a prudent option. However, Smith will eventually need to make way for the player who will eventually get his shot at leading the Jets out of their dark age.

Possible Picks: Drew Mestemaker (Oklahoma State), CJ Carr (Notre Dame), Darian Mensah (Miami)

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