The New York Jets are expected to forgo selecting a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, opting instead to focus on the 2027 draft class. They hold four top 50 picks but will likely address other positions first.
Jets predicted to kick the can down the road at QB for 2027 draft class reason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Jets have the No. 2 overall pick and the No. 16 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. They then pick 33rd and 44th overall on Day 2 of the draft, making for four top 50 picks in this year's draft.
With a need at edge, wide receiver, cornerback, and quarterback, it would not be a surprise if all positions were addressed during the draft. However, if there were one position to go unaddressed, it seems likely to be QB.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated made the case for why the Jets, despite needing a quarterback of the future, are likely to pass on one in the 2026 class, instead focusing on the 2027 draft class.
"But with more than a dozen guys considered in this running and the chance that others emerge from outside the group, there's a good chance next year will be a quarterback-rich year for teams in need. That's why, as I see it, the Jets, browns, Dolphins, and Cardinals are kicking the can down the road a year," Breer writes.
With the Jets looking for quarterback help, the weak 2026 draft class does them no good. Ty Simpson is an intriguing option, as are players like Drew Allar and Carson Beck.
But, using a premium pick on someone so uncertain when the 2027 class looks to be very strong would be a decision that, according to Breer, doesn't seem likely.
The Jets kicking the can down the road for another year at the QB position would not be a surprise with how good the 2027 class looks like it could be.
More:Ā Aaron Glenn believes Geno Smith can lead Jets to 'the promised land'
Dante Moore, Arch Manning, CJ Carr, Julian Sayin, Jayden Maiava, LaNorris Sellers, Sam Leavitt, Brendan Sorsby, Tinidad Chambliss, John Mateer, Darian Mensah, and Nico Imaleava are just a few names that could make noise in the 2027 draft class.
With the strong 2027 draft class at QB, the weak 2026 class, and the Jets' need to win now, taking a QB early doesn't make a whole lot of sense for the Jets.
Breer is expecting the Jets to wait one more year before taking another real chance on a franchise quarterback early in the draft.
While Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey are on the hot seat in 2026, taking a QB early in this year's draft wouldn't help them much in the short-term with Geno Smith starting.
The Jets waiting a year at QB with such a stacked class on the horizon isn't just the expected move, but it's the right decision even amid a shaky job status for the Jets' head coach and general manager.
The Jets are likely to prioritize other positions and wait for the 2027 draft class, which may offer better quarterback prospects.
The Jets have the No. 2 and No. 16 overall picks in the first round, along with the 33rd and 44th picks on Day 2.
The Jets are expected to focus on edge, wide receiver, and cornerback, among other positions, rather than quarterback.
Albert Breer is a writer for Sports Illustrated who predicts that the Jets will pass on a quarterback in 2026 to target the 2027 draft class instead.
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