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Would the New York Jets have benefited from an NFL Draft lottery?
TL;DR
The New York Jets finished with the worst record in the NFL but missed out on the top draft pick due to a tiebreaker. The recent NHL draft lottery raises questions about whether a similar system could have benefited the Jets in securing a franchise quarterback.
Key points
- New York Jets finished with the worst NFL record in 2026
- Las Vegas Raiders secured the No. 1 draft pick due to tiebreaker rules
- Jets selected defensive player David Bailey instead of a quarterback
- NHL draft lottery results prompt discussion about NFL draft system
- Toronto Maple Leafs won the NHL draft lottery despite lower odds
Fernando MendozaDavid BaileyNew York JetsLas Vegas Raiders
The New York Jets entered the 2026 NFL Draft knowing they didn't stand a chance at a franchise quarterback. Despite finishing with the worst record (3-14) in the league, from the moment Week 18 concluded, the Jets knew the Las Vegas Raiders had the No. 1 selection in the NFL Draft. Despite four teams finishing 3-14, the strength of schedule (SOS) tiebreaker determined the Raiders deserved the top pick.
In what many scouts described as a one-quarterback draft, that meant the Raiders were given the opportunity to select Fernando Mendoza at No. 1. The Jets, despite desperately needing a quarterback as bad as the Raiders did, took the best defensive player available in EDGE David Bailey.
After the events of Tuesday in the NHL's exhilarating draft lottery, you can't help but wonder if the Jets would have benefited from a similar system.
The Vancouver Canucks entered the lottery with the best odds to earn the No. 1 selection in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. The Toronto Maple Leafs, who had the fifth-best odds, miraculously won the lottery and now have the right to draft the best overall prospect. The Maple Leafs and Jets share similarities as two tortured, passionate fanbases. It was an electric moment for the Maple Leafs, who are coming off their worst season in a decade. With the luck of the draw, the lottery totally altered the direction of their franchise.
The NFL's system is arguably flawed. The Raiders beat the during the regular season. Despite both of them finishing 3-14, the Raiders picked at No. 1 overall and the Titans had the fourth overall pick.
Q&A
How did the New York Jets perform in the 2026 NFL season?
The New York Jets finished the 2026 NFL season with a record of 3-14, the worst in the league.
What was the outcome of the NFL Draft for the Jets in 2026?
The Jets selected defensive player David Bailey instead of a quarterback, as the Las Vegas Raiders secured the No. 1 pick.
What are the implications of a draft lottery for NFL teams like the Jets?
A draft lottery could potentially provide teams like the Jets with a better chance to secure top talent, especially in a critical quarterback draft year.
