Jets Draft Tracker: Three First-Round Picks and a Changing Quarterback Board

The Jets have three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, and the conversation about how to use them is getting more interesting. The quarterback class has changed since the summer, while the needs in the middle of the offensive line and throughout the defense remain difficult to ignore.

Following the rest of the league has become part of following the Jets. Fans checking the standings or comparing weekly matchups on a crypto american football betting site is an extra reason to pay attention to Indianapolis, Dallas and Green Bay. Their results will help determine how much opportunity the Jets have next April.

Where the Three First-Round Picks Come From

The first-round capital breaks down this way:

• The Jets’ own first-round pick.
• Indianapolis’ first-round pick, acquired in the Sauce Gardner trade.
• The higher of Dallas’ and Green Bay’s first-round picks, acquired from the Cowboys in the Quinnen Williams trade.

That last point matters. The Jets receive whichever of those two selections comes earlier in the draft. Dallas controls Green Bay’s pick through the Micah Parsons trade, but the Jets get the better of the two.

The order will move around over the remaining weeks. What matters now is that the Jets have enough capital to address multiple starting positions, or to explore moving up if they identify a quarterback worth the price. Having the picks gives them options. They still have to get the evaluations right.

Quarterback Is About the Future

Geno Smith deserves some credit here. Through eight games, he has 1,913 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. Those numbers should be part of any honest conversation about this offense.

At 36, Geno still needs a successor. The Jets have an opportunity to identify that player while a veteran is in place, with the flexibility to let a young quarterback develop if that is what he needs.

The important part is finding a quarterback they believe in and putting the right coaching and protection around him.

Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State

Mestemaker has become one of the biggest names in this discussion. In ESPN’s midseason survey of NFL scouts and executives, he received 17 of 25 votes to be the first quarterback selected. He received none in the preseason version.

That is a significant change, and it makes Oklahoma State a priority for Jets fans watching college football. The Jets should be looking closely at how his game translates when the pocket gets crowded and the first read is covered. If he continues to separate himself, getting into position to draft him could become expensive.

Darian Mensah, Miami

Mensah is another quarterback who has helped himself this season. Recent evaluations highlight his accuracy and quick release, while identifying his work under pressure as an important part of the evaluation.

He belongs near the top of the Jets quarterback watch list. Getting the ball out on time and giving receivers chances to make plays would fit an offense that already has talent at the skill positions. The remaining schedule will give evaluators more opportunities to judge him against strong competition.

The loss last night against Notre Dame has some people talking about arm strength. The combine will be interesting, watching him head-to-head against the other top talent.

Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

Chambliss belongs in the conversation as well, although his evaluation comes with a different set of questions. His age and size are factors in the debate over his first-round potential.

For the Jets, the question is how much of his college success can carry over to the offense they intend to run. They should give him a full evaluation rather than decide now that every quarterback they like must fit the same profile. His value will also depend on where he is available.

He was at 52.9% on his completions, no touchdowns and one interception in the blow out loss to Georgia. That will make many wonder where his draft stock is at this point.

Arch Manning and Dante Moore Have Lost Ground

Manning and Moore entered the season with much more momentum. ESPN’s preseason poll gave Moore 14 votes to be the first quarterback selected and Manning seven. The midseason poll gave Moore one and Manning none.

Manning still has talent, but the Jets cannot build their plan around his name or where he was expected to go before the season. His remaining games and eventual draft decision matter. It is unclear if he is even going to enter the draft or is destined to the transfer portal. Yesterday was a nice step if you are rooting for him to declare.

Moore’s situation requires particular care. Oregon announced that his concussion is expected to keep him out for the rest of the season. His recovery and medical evaluation will be central to the process, and his decision about entering the draft is still ahead.

This is a watch list, not a finished draft board. Players who can return to college still have decisions to make.

Center Should Be a Priority

Beyond quarterback, I would put interior offensive line help high on the list, especially center. The Jets need to be stronger in the middle, both in pass protection and when they need a few tough yards on the ground.

If they keep their current offensive talent, the skill positions give them plenty to work with. They should be able to devote meaningful resources to protecting the quarterback and making the offense more consistent.

The right center does not have to come with the first selection. But the Jets should enter the offseason determined to improve the position.

The Defense Needs Help at Every Level

Linebacker could justify an early selection. The Jets need players who can tackle reliably, cover ground and stay on the field in passing situations.

Defensive tackle and cornerback also belong in the discussion. The order of those needs may depend on the coaching staff and defensive scheme. If there is a coaching change, the Jets have to understand what the new staff wants before investing premium picks in players who may not fit.

Three first-round picks give the Jets a real chance to add a quarterback and strengthen the team around him. I would like to see them keep the offensive talent they already have, fix the middle of the line and add defenders who can become part of the next core.

Jets fans have heard plenty about future draft capital. Next April, it has to start becoming a better football team.

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Source: https://www.jetnation.com/2026/11/08/jets-draft-tracker-three-first-round-picks-and-a-changing-quarterback-board/