Aaron Schatz, Ben Solak, Louis Riddick, and Seth Walder of ESPN recently compiled an NFL power ranking. This ranking comes with a twist, though.
In our annual Future Power Rankings, we’re not focused on the outcome of this season. Instead, we’re ranking all 32 teams by who is primed to be among the league’s best from the 2027 through 2029 seasons.
We know the Jets don’t have exceptionally high expectations for 2026, but with three first round picks this year and three more coming next year the future
seems bright. Doesn’t it?
Well, the quartet at ESPN aren’t so optimistic. They put the Jets 29th of 32 teams in their three year outlook.
29. New York Jets (Overall score: 71.3)
Reason for hope: Darren Mougey catapulted up league GM rankings with his aggressive 2025 trade deadline, and his investment in future picks has set up the Jets for long-term success. They made three first-round picks in 2026 and can do so again in 2027 … if they don’t trade those picks for a quarterback. There are a few exciting young players (Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, Armand Membou, etc.), so the Jets aren’t starting from nothing, either. — Solak
Reason for concern: Similar to Solak, I thought Mougey did a really great job this offseason in the veteran free agent market and the draft. But does coach Aaron Glenn and his staff have what it takes to get this franchise turned around on the field? If they can’t, someone else will have to lead the development of this young core. — Riddick
Nugget to know: The Jets’ offense is remarkably young once we get past starting quarterback Geno Smith. The other 11 projected starters, including both 11 and 12 personnel, average just 24.2 years of age. Center Josh Myers is the oldest at 28, and rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq is the youngest at 21. — Schatz
Bold prediction for 2027-29: The Jets will make the playoffs in 2027 … with a new coach and new quarterback. After another depressing season in 2026, the Jets will be rewarded with a high pick in this loaded quarterback class. The result of that QB alongside a strong offensive line and bevy of intriguing pass catchers will be immediate success. — Walder
They ranked each team in four categories. The Jets ranked 23rd in roster quality minus the quarterback, 28th in quarterback quality, 11th in front office quality, and 32nd in coaching quality.
It seems to be a popular view at this point that Darren Mougey is far better at his job than Aaron Glenn is at his. I can’t say I entirely understand this point of view. There is evidence that Glenn has a lot of sway over roster construction. Even if we were to conclude he doesn’t, any praise of Mougey at this point is purely speculative, not proven by victories on the field.
More than anything, I think this criteria shows the limits of a three year projection. It seems like while the quartet of ESPN analysts tells you they are judging teams three years down the line, they are actually grading each team’s current state. If Glenn is as bad as this group believes, he won’t be the head coach in three year. The Jets will have a replacement who could be much better, which would make a big difference in where the team is in 2029.
