Week 14 was a rough one for the New York Jets - and not just on the scoreboard. The team was thoroughly outmatched by the Miami Dolphins, getting blown out in a game that underscored just how far the Jets are from contending. And while some fans might look for a silver lining in the form of improved NFL Draft positioning, that consolation prize didn’t materialize either.
Despite the lopsided loss, the Jets remain locked into the No. 7 overall pick in the draft order. No movement, no leap up the board - just more frustration in a season that’s been heavy on it.
Here’s how the current draft order is shaping up among the teams with the worst records:
- Giants: 2-11
- Raiders: 2-11
- Titans: 2-11
- Browns: 3-10
- Saints: 3-10
- Commanders: 3-10
- Jets: 3-10
- Cardinals: 3-10
- Falcons (pick traded to Rams): 4-9
- Bengals: 4-9
- Vikings: 5-8
- Dolphins: 6-7
- Ravens: 6-7
- Chiefs: 6-7
- Cowboys: 6-6-1
- Panthers: 7-6
- Lions: 8-5
- Colts (pick traded to Jets): 8-5
The Jets’ draft position didn’t improve, but the more intriguing development comes from a different part of the board - and it could have major implications moving forward.
New York owns the Colts’ first-round pick thanks to the Sauce Gardner trade, and that selection is starting to look more valuable by the week. Indianapolis has hit a skid, and the news just got worse: starting quarterback Daniel Jones has reportedly suffered a season-ending injury. That’s a brutal blow for the Colts’ playoff hopes - and a potential boost for the Jets’ draft capital.
If the Colts continue to slide, that pick could wind up somewhere in the mid-teens, giving the Jets two valuable selections in the top half of the first round. That kind of draft ammo can change the outlook of an offseason - whether it’s used to add talent directly or as leverage in a potential trade.
As for picks 19 through 32, those will be finalized based on how the postseason shakes out. But for the Jets, who are far removed from playoff contention, the focus is already on building for the future. And even in a season full of setbacks, the draft board offers at least a glimmer of long-term hope.