With just one week remaining for the 2025 NFL season, the New York Jets and Giants both hold top three picks for the 2026 NFL Draft. After defeating the Las Vegas Raiders, the Giants dropped from the first overall pick to the second, while the Jets, who have lost four games in a row, currently hold the third overall pick. Both teams hold a record of 3-13 and are in a good position to own solid draft capital.
Jets Search for New Franchise Quarterback
This season, the Jets continued to struggle with finding a permanent quarterback of the future. Justin Fields was unable to have the resurgence that the team had hoped for and the Jets will most likely turn to the draft to fix this issue.
The Jets have a chance to acquire the first overall pick, if both the Raiders and Giants win, on top of several other favorable outcomes in Week 18. The Raiders owning the first overall pick rules out the team from landing 2025 Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, one of the most highly-touted quarterback prospects in the draft. However, there is still plenty of talent for the team to choose from.
The most likely option for the Jets is Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, who has had an impressive showing this year. Moore has recorded over 3,000 passing yards and 28 passing touchdowns this season, leading his team to the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoffs, where he continues to play.
The Jets haven’t been known for their luck in drafting quarterbacks in recent years, though, the team is currently positioned to put their future quarterback in a spot to succeed. With Garrett Wilson as an elite offensive threat and Adonai Mitchell emerging as a solid receiver, there will be many targets to choose from. Additionally, the addition of young stars, such as Armand Membou and Olu Fashanu in the draft provides more protection for the quarterback.
Moore could break the Jets’ recent trend and solidify himself as the team’s quarterback of the future. At only 20 years old, Moore has a long and bright future ahead of him, which will all begin in next year’s draft, where he will certainly be a top pick.
Giants on the Hunt to Bolster Help for Jaxson Dart
The Giants have found their quarterback of the future in Jaxson Dart, though there are still some key areas that the team must first address. One of the most obvious is the wide receiver position, with Wan’Dale Robinson set to be a free agent this offseason. The team is looking for a receiver to pair with star player Malik Nabers and many have speculated that Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson could be that player.
Tyson has put up more than 1,800 receiving yards combined in his past two seasons, recording 18 receiving touchdowns. Tyson is one of the most sought after receivers from this year’s draft class and could form a dangerous duo with Malik Nabers.
Another key area that the Giants will be addressing in the offseason is their defense. There are several star athletes in the upcoming draft, though many should keep their eyes out for Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese and Miami defensive lineman Ruben Bain Jr.
While Reese is considered to be the more valuable prospect by a small margin, both players would bring great value to the Giants. Reese has recorded 62 tackles and 6.5 sacks, while Bain Jr. has recorded 42 tackles, 7.5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. Pairing them with a defense that already has Abdul Carter, Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux, will only improve the team’s defense.
The Giants could also choose to trade back in the draft for more capital. With many star players already on the team, several solid players could prove to be more impactful than one standout player. Either way, the Giants are in a good position with their draft picks to head into 2026 as a better team.
Both teams sit in a great position to improve for the 2026 NFL season, addressing areas of improvement in the draft. The Jets and Giants have both had much success in recent years when it comes to drafting and will hope to continue that trend in the next draft.