The New York Jets, currently 2-5 through Week 7 of the NFL season, have positioned themselves for a significant rebuild with three first-round selections in the 2027 NFL Draft. General manager Darren Mougey's trade deadline moves last season netted the team a 2027 first-round pick from the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, while the Indianapolis Colts sent two first-round picks — one in 2026 and another in 2027 — for cornerback Sauce Gardner.
As a result, the Jets now hold three picks inside the top 12 of the 2027 draft: the Colts' selection at No. 7, their own at No. 10, and the Cowboys' at No. 12. The Cowboys (3-4) continue to struggle defensively, and the Colts (2-5) have recently traded away Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner, potentially increasing the value of those picks.
Mock draft projections
CBS Sports NFL draft expert Josh Edwards projects the Jets to use those picks on Notre Dame quarterback C.J. Carr at No. 7, Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton at No. 10, and Ole Miss defensive lineman Will Echoles at No. 12. Edwards notes that Carr could become the franchise quarterback, Hampton would address a secondary that recorded zero interceptions last season, and Echoles would help replace the departed Williams.
2026 draft haul
The Jets also held three first-round picks in the 2026 draft, trading up to No. 30 overall for their final selection. Early returns suggest Mougey hit on all three: edge rusher David Bailey (No. 2 overall) leads all rookies with 5.5 sacks through five games, tied for fifth in the league, and became the first rookie since 2022 to record five sacks in his team's first five games. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq (No. 16 overall) has 16 receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown, earning Pepsi Rookie of the Week honors in Week 3. Wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (No. 30 overall) has posted 100 receiving yards and a touchdown in each of his first two games, a feat last accomplished by Puka Nacua and never before by a Jets rookie in consecutive games.
