Uncommon draft jackpot could help New York Jets accelerate rebuild – New York Jets Blog

HOUSTON — A look at what’s happening around the New York Jets:

1. Double vision: Meaningless game? Hah!

The Jets-Houston Texans game on Sunday will impact the top of the draft standings, which is a pretty big deal for two fan bases desperate for hope. Both teams are 2-8, with the Jets currently in the No. 2 spot and the Texans at No. 4, based on strength of schedule.

The Jets also own the No. 6 pick, courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks via the Jamal Adams trade. The Seahawks’ worst season in a decade could be an absolute boon for the Jets, who could wind up with two top-10 picks for the first time in franchise history.

That doesn’t happen a lot in the NFL. In the common-draft era (since 1967), there have been only 17 instances when a team had two selections in the top 10. It last occurred in 2018, when the Cleveland Browns picked quarterback Baker Mayfield (No. 1 overall) and cornerback Denzel Ward (No. 4).

Before the Browns, you have to go all the way back to 2000. It happened twice that year: The Washington Football Team picked linebacker LaVar Arrington (No. 2) and tackle Chris Samuels (No. 3); the Baltimore Ravens took running back Jamal Lewis (No. 5) and wide receiver Travis Taylor (No. 10).

There are no sure things, not even in the top 10, but the odds of finding a star are much better at the top. Ten from the 17 went on to multiple Pro Bowls, a list that includes four Pro Football Hall of Famers. Do you know the last time the Jets drafted a Hall of Famer? It was 1971, running back John Riggins, who made his name for Washington.

The two first-round picks are vital to the Jets’ rebuilding plan. It’s too bad the draft isn’t top-heavy with quarterback prospects; that would put the Jets in position to perhaps scoop up the best non-quarterback. It’s still early, though, and you always see late risers once the pre-draft process intensifies.

If you’re the Jets, root for the quarterbacks. And root for the Seahawks to keep losing. Unfortunately for the Jets, Seattle’s…