Fortune favors the bold in the National Football League, and it’s the New York Jets who should snag a piece of that attitude at the 2026 NFL draft — if they want to finally snap that pesky 15-season playoff-less rut, that is.
A central reason for their struggles has been a poor draft record that has kept them from reaching their full potential. Failing to develop young talent has forced the Jets to spend heavily on free agents who ultimately couldn’t live up to expectations.
Gang Green will have many chances in the 2026 draft to change the fortunes of their franchise. They are armed with four picks inside the top 50 overall selections, and two in the top 16.
No one would blame the team for staying pat at the second and 16th overall selections. Then again, New York wouldn’t be maximizing its potential by taking that path.
If the New York Jets crave their own slice of fortune, there’s one trade that could fundamentally change the organization’s future.
The Jets’ trade-up draft deal
New York Jets receive: No. 7 (Round 1), 2027 Round 4
Washington Commanders receive: No. 16 (Round 1), No. 33 (Round 2)
That’s right: A bold move for a second pick inside the top 10 could completely change how the Jets are perceived over the next few years. Remember, outside of their bevy of picks this season, the Jets also possess three first-round picks in 2027.
A deal with Washington makes sense for several reasons, including for the Commanders.
The Commanders, after a dismal season in 2025, own just six draft picks and just two in the first four rounds. The chance to get multiple top talents this year is slim to none for the Burgundy and Gold. If Washington is smart, it should be looking to trade down from the seventh overall pick to accumulate as much draft capital as possible.
Like a cold beverage after a long day at work, the Jets might just be the team perfectly situated to “help” Washington out.
Why the Jets should make the trade
With every draft trade, it’s important to showcase equal value on both sides. Using the classic Jimmy Johnson NFL draft value chart, per Drafttek, here are the attributable points for each of the first-round selections:
New York, 16th overall: 1,000 points
Washington, 7th overall: 1,500 points
Clearly, the Jets would need to give up more than just their own first-round pick this year to accomplish that kind of deal. Now, here are the point values for the Jets’ second-round picks this season:
33rd overall: 580
44th overall: 460
New York’s second pick in the second-round won’t cut it either. That’s why the Jets shouldn’t look back when giving up the 33rd overall pick.
Not only would it be enough of an enticement for Washington, but it would also allow them to negotiate an additional 80 points into the conversation (a fourth-round pick).
The draft selections
As things stand right now, the Jets are likely to draft Ohio State edge defender Arvell Reese with the second overall pick. The young phenom is the kind of versatile defender head coach Aaron Glenn needs on the roster.
What happens after, though, remains in doubt, particularly due to the team’s impressive draft capital.
The 2026 draft is full of quality players with starting-caliber potential. When it comes to blue-chip talent, though, this class is lacking — with many scouts saying anything outside the top-10 would have several question marks tied to their resume.
New York sneaking back into the top 10, especially with Washington’s pick at seven, means the team would snag a couple of stud prospects.
Consider this: the Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and Cleveland Browns all pick before Washington and after the Jets. Examples of the top blue-chip talent, including Reese, are fellow Ohio State stars Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, and Carnell Tate. Others include Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey, and Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr.
Outside of Reese, there are six other players for only four spots before the Commanders’ seventh pick.
Snag that fortune
A trade-up would be massive for the Jets. They could come away with arguably the best non-quarterback in the draft, and would have the ability to get a second top prospect without forking up 2027 draft assets.
Oh, and they would still own a second-round pick as well.
It’s time for the Jets to get bold. This is the draft they need to get aggressive.
A trade-up with Washington to give the Commanders the quantity they need, and the quality the Jets desperately lack, is a win-win.
A bold trade like this could finally place the New York Jets on the right path, once and for all.