Jets could be perfect landing spot for 2027 NFL Draft's biggest wild card

The New York Jets may need to land one of the top edge rushers in the 2027 NFL Draft to get David Bailey a long-term running mate. With Texas' Colin Simmons starting to emerge as a no-doubt top-five pick, many fans are turning their attention to South Carolina product Dylan Stewart.

Stewart's stock has taken a tumble this season, as he just returned from a suspension that was brought on by a punch after the Gamecocks' loss to Alabama. Even with that concern hanging over his head, the expectation for Stewart at this point is that he will be picked in the top half of the first round.

The Jets' defensive line is far from a world-beating unit at this point, and Stewart might be the missing piece that takes them from good to great. His concerns may not frighten the Jets as much as other teams.

New York Jets positioned to gamble on Dylan Stewart in 2027 NFL Draft

Stewart is one of those players where the sack totals (11 in his first two college seasons) don't tell the story of what a uniquely gifted pass rusher he can be. With preposterous bend, a quick first step, and more power than most of his size, Stewart is a no-doubt playmaker the second he arrives in the pros.

However, based on how this season has gone, Stewart will need to convince teams that he is a coachable player who can fit in when operating in a professional environment. Sometimes, what are deemed "character" or "coachability" concerns are overblown. However, sometimes the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior.

Any team with one first-round pick, especially one that may have some coaching instability, could be put off the idea of possibly taking an asset as volatile as Stewart. The Jets are not bound by those same restrictions due to the capital they have built up.

The New York Jets can take a risk with Dylan Stewart

The Jets have three first-round picks in this class due to the Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams trades. Other teams picking in or close to the Top 10 might be scared to use such a prized asset on Stewart. While the Jets obviously wouldn't plan for something to go wrong, they would be more protected than most if the worst-case scenario happens.

Darren Mougey decided to go all-in on bringing in experienced veterans to mentor some of the younger players on this roster, and many are signed for 2027. While it is far from a guarantee of success, it could further the Jets' belief in their infrastructure as being able to mitigate the adjustment Stewart will need to undergo.

It would be a major surprise if the Jets come out of the first few rounds of the Draft without a pass rusher, and Stewart could be right in the team's sweet spot if they manage to get some positive reviews on his football character. If he clicks, he and Bailey could be quite the fire and ice combination off the edge.

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