Can Jets land No. 1 pick in 2026 NFL draft? Breaking down New York’s possible outcomes

As the 2026 NFL season comes to a close, the New York Jets find themselves in a precarious position. With just one week left in the regular season, they have a wide range of possible outcomes for their draft pick in the upcoming NFL draft. While their chances of securing the No. 1 overall pick are slim, it is not entirely out of the realm of possibility.

The Jets have had a tumultuous season, to say the least. With a record of 3-13 going into Week 18, they are currently sitting at the bottom of the AFC East division. Their struggles on both sides of the ball have been well-documented throughout the season, with issues ranging from poor quarterback play to a lackluster defense. However, despite their shortcomings, there is still a glimmer of hope for the Jets as they head into the final week of the season.

One of the key factors that will determine the Jets’ draft position is the outcome of their Week 18 matchup. They are set to face off against the Miami Dolphins, who are also sitting at the bottom of the division with a record of 4-12. The outcome of this game will have significant implications for both teams, as it will not only determine their final record for the season but also their draft position.

If the Jets were to win their Week 18 matchup against the Dolphins, it would likely knock them out of contention for the No. 1 overall pick. However, even with a win, the Jets would still have a chance of securing a top-five pick in the draft. On the other hand, if the Jets were to lose to the Dolphins, it would greatly increase their chances of securing the No. 1 overall pick. This would be a significant boost for the Jets, as they would have the opportunity to select the top talent in the draft and potentially turn their fortunes around for the upcoming season.

In addition to their Week 18 matchup, there are several other factors that will come into play when determining the Jets’ draft position. Strength of schedule, conference record, and head-to-head matchups with other teams will all be taken into account when the final draft order is determined. While the Jets currently have a poor record, their strength of schedule is relatively weak compared to other teams in the league. This could work in their favor when it comes to tiebreakers and could potentially improve their draft position.

Another factor that will impact the Jets’ draft position is the performance of other teams in the league. As the season comes to a close, there are several teams with worse records than the Jets, including the Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars. If these teams were to win their Week 18 matchups, it could push the Jets further down in the draft order. Conversely, if these teams were to lose, it could improve the Jets’ chances of securing the No. 1 overall pick.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding their draft position, the Jets have a number of talented players on their roster who have shown promise throughout the season. Quarterback Sam Darnold has had his fair share of struggles, but has also shown flashes of brilliance at times. Running back Le’Veon Bell has been a bright spot for the Jets, providing a much-needed spark on offense. And on defense, players like Jamal Adams and C.J. Mosley have been standouts for the team.

Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL draft, the Jets will have a number of options available to them depending on where they fall in the draft order. If they were to secure the No. 1 overall pick, they would likely have their choice of the top talent in the draft. Players like quarterback Trevor Lawrence, defensive end Chase Young, and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase could all be potential targets for the Jets. Each of these players could provide an immediate impact for the team and help to turn their fortunes around for the upcoming season.

However, if the Jets were to fall outside of the top five in the draft order, they would have to reassess their options and potentially look for value later in the draft. While they may not have the opportunity to select a top-tier talent, there are still plenty of quality players available in the later rounds of the draft. Players like offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood, cornerback Patrick Surtain II, and wide receiver Rashod Bateman could all be potential targets for the Jets in the later rounds.

Ultimately, the outcome of the Jets’ Week 18 matchup against the Dolphins will have a significant impact on their draft position and their future prospects. While their chances of securing the No. 1 overall pick are slim, it is not entirely out of the realm of possibility. With a strong performance in Week 18, the Jets could potentially turn their fortunes around and secure a top-five pick in the draft. Regardless of where they fall in the draft order, the Jets will have plenty of options available to them as they look to build a competitive team for the upcoming season.

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Source: Sporting News