Everyone believes the New York Jets will target a top quarterback prospect in the 2027 NFL draft. The Jets are equipped with three first-round selections next April. Trading defensive cornerstones Quinnen Williams and Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner for 2027 first-round picks signaled Darren Mougey’s interest in solving the quarterback position.
Geno Smith is the Jets’ starter in 2026. The 35-year-old quarterback is seen as a temporary bridge solution. Rookie fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik is the wildcard in this discussion, but would have to both play, and play exceptionally well in 2026 to have the Jets bypass an opportunity to select a quarterback in 2027.
The Jets will of course have competition for quarterback prospects in 2027, and one expected contender signaled their aggressive intentions on Monday. The Cleveland Browns traded superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Part of the package going back to Cleveland is a 2027 first-round pick.
The Browns are fully committed to the rebuild. Already projected to be one of the worst teams in 2026, trading Garrett makes them significantly worse. They now also possess multiple first-round picks to target a quarterback.
There are some saving graces for the Jets. Firstly, they still possess more first-round picks (three) than the Browns (two) do. Secondly, the Jets’ external first-round picks once belonged to the Colts and Cowboys, who aren’t expected to be as competitive as the Super Bowl-contending Rams will be. That second Browns first-round pick could be in the 25-32 range if the Rams meet their lofty goals.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Cleveland Browns now pose threat to New York Jets in 2027 NFL draft