2026 NFL Draft Position: Rejoice Tankers! The Jets win didn’t hurt their positioning much

The Jets won their first game of the 2025 season in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals. With the team out of the Playoff race, all eyes are on positioning for next year’s NFL Draft. The Jets began the day owning the top pick. They dropped in the order with the win but only to the second spot.

1. Saints 1-7
2. Jets 1-7
3. Titans 1-7
4. Browns 2-6
5. Dolphins 2-6
6. Giants 2-6
7. Ravens 2-5
8. Raiders 2-5
9. Cardinals 2-5
10. Bengals 3-5
11. Falcons (pick traded to Rams) 3-4
12. Commanders 3-4
13. Vikings 3-4
14. Texans 3-4
15. Cowboys 3-4-1
16. Panthers 4-4
17. Bears 4-3
18. Chiefs 4-3

The order of picks 19 through 32 is determined by Playoff results.

Every year the Jets quickly fall out of the Playoff race, a debate consumes the fanbase about whether it’s better for the team to win or to lose to gain better Draft positioning.

I think the answer varies by the season, but this year I think it’s clear winning games is best for the Jets. This is a team depending on a lot of young players, and victories are a sign these young players are starting to come along. That’s a pretty important thing for this team’s future.