New York Jets 7-round 2027 NFL mock draft lands them their next franchise QB and a defensive makeover
The New York Jets swing for the fences in the latest 7-round 2027 NFL mock draft. That includes their quarterback of the future.
The New York Jets take a major swing at quarterback in this 2027 NFL mock draft, selecting Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker with the No. 4 overall pick. New York follows that selection by adding Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton at No. 15, giving the franchise two premium prospects at positions that could shape its future.
The Jets have significant questions to answer at quarterback and in the secondary. With an extra first-round pick acquired in the Sauce Gardner trade, New York has an opportunity to accelerate its rebuild.
This mock draft order is based on the most recent Super Bowl odds rather than the current standings. Make sure to utilize the A to Z Sports mock draft simulator for your future mocks, as I did for this exercise.
Round 1, Pick No. 4: Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State
The Jets swing for the fences at quarterback, selecting one of the biggest breakout prospects in college football. Mestemaker threw for 4,379 yards and 34 touchdowns at North Texas in 2025 before following head coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State.
New York needs to identify a long-term answer at quarterback, and Mestemaker’s arm talent and rapid rise make him an intriguing option. His transition to a higher level of competition will be important to monitor, but the upside makes this a worthwhile gamble.
Round 1, Pick No. 15: Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson
After moving on from Sauce Gardner, New York has a major reason to continue investing in cornerback talent. Hampton offers appealing size and ball skills, giving the Jets a potential long-term building block in the secondary.
Pairing Hampton with the team’s other defensive backs would give New York another young player to develop into a starting-caliber corner. This is a position where the Jets need to find impact talent, and Hampton could help fill that void.
Round 1, Pick No. 16: Chris Cole, LB, Georgia
The Jets use their second first-round pick on defense, selecting Georgia linebacker Chris Cole. The move would add athleticism and competition to the middle of the defense while helping New York build a younger core.
Cole will need to prove he can handle NFL coverage responsibilities and consistently shed blocks, but his selection gives the Jets another opportunity to improve their front seven.
Round 2, Pick No. 36: Ahmad Moten, DT, Miami
Moten would give the Jets another interior defensive-line option. New York needs to keep adding depth and disruption up front, and a second-round investment in a defensive tackle could help the team improve against the run while developing more interior pass-rush production.
Round 3, Pick No. 68: Bryant Wesco Jr., WR, Clemson
Wesco is an exciting deep threat who entered 2026 with 72 career receptions for 1,245 yards and 11 touchdowns. His ability to generate explosive plays would give the Jets another dimension in the passing game.
Pairing Wesco with Garrett Wilson would give New York another receiver capable of stretching defenses. If Mestemaker becomes the franchise quarterback the Jets hope for, adding a vertical threat could help the two develop together.
Round 4, Pick No. 106: Cael Winter, IOL, Iowa
Winter would add competition and depth along the interior offensive line. With a potential rookie quarterback entering the picture, protecting the pocket and establishing a reliable offensive foundation should be priorities for New York.
A fourth-round investment in the offensive line would give the Jets another developmental option who could compete for playing time as his career progresses.
Round 5, Pick No. 141: Kayin Lee, CB, Tennessee
The Jets double down at cornerback with Lee, who brings extensive SEC experience after transferring from Auburn. His experience against high-level college receivers could help him compete for a rotational role early in his NFL career.
Adding another corner would give New York more depth at a position that has become a priority following Gardner’s departure.
Round 6, Pick No. 197: Fluff Bothwell, RB, Mississippi State
Bothwell would provide another option in the Jets’ backfield. He rushed for 677 yards and six touchdowns at Mississippi State in 2025 after an impressive freshman campaign at South Alabama.
A sixth-round running back could add depth and special-teams value without requiring a major investment. Bothwell would have an opportunity to compete for a complementary role.
Round 6, Pick No. 208: J’Mond Tapp, EDGE, Memphis
The Jets close out their mock draft by adding another pass-rush prospect. Tapp would have a chance to develop behind New York’s existing edge defenders, with special teams offering a potential route to early playing time.
Finding pass-rush depth late in the draft is a sensible strategy for a team looking to build a more disruptive defense.
Final thoughts
The Jets’ draft class is built around two major priorities: finding a long-term quarterback and rebuilding the secondary. Mestemaker is the headliner, while Hampton gives New York a potential starting cornerback with appealing physical traits.
The remaining selections address the defensive front, linebacker, receiver, and offensive-line depth. There are risks in betting on a quarterback whose résumé is still developing, but the Jets have the draft capital to take that swing.
If Mestemaker proves to be a franchise-caliber passer and Hampton develops into a reliable starter, this could be a pivotal class for New York’s rebuild.
