The New York Jets had one of their first-round picks shift on Saturday.
The New York Jets are in rebuild mode, and they received great news on Saturday. With the Houston Texans' win over the Los Angeles Chargers, the Indianapolis Colts have been eliminated from playoff contention.
With that, the Jets are now guaranteed another top-18 pick in the draft via the Colts. New York traded two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to Indianapolis at the deadline, acquiring wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and their 2026 and 2026 first-round picks.
General manager Darren Mougey has been aggressive in acquiring draft capital and young talent as they rebuild. The Jets also acquired Mazi Smith, a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick from the Dallas Cowboys, for All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.
With all of this draft capital, the Jets can add an abundance of young talent to build out the core of the roster. New York also has the ammo to move up in the draft or acquire a star player in a trade.
The Jets currently hold the fourth overall pick in the draft, and with the top-18 pick via the Colts, they can add two core pieces to their roster.
New York has some talented players on both sides of the ball that give them promise. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson has proven to be a true No. 1 target.
Wilson only appeared in seven games this season due to injuries and hauled in 36 receptions for 395 yards and four touchdowns. In his first three seasons, he had over 1,000 yards receiving.
New York's acquisitions of Mitchell and John Metchie III have added depth to the wide receiver room. Rookie tight end Mason Taylor has also played well, as he has 44 receptions for 369 yards and a touchdown in 13 games.
While the offense could use a wide receiver two, the biggest need is at quarterback. The Jets signed Justin Fields to a two-year $40 million deal last offseason, but he hasn't panned out and is likely to be cut.
If New York is able to add a quality quarterback through the draft, free agency, or a trade, their offense could become a talented unit in 2026.
The Jets may have a long way to go in their rebuild, but with two first-round picks in the top-18, they'll be able to add young talent in the draft.