Have the New York Jets locked up the No. 1 pick in 2021 NFL Draft?

By losing to the Chargers, the New York Jets likely earned the No. 1 pick in 2021.

It’s no secret that the New York Jets are among the worst teams in the NFL and are in a race to get the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. And it’s also not been hidden that, should the Jets end up with the top selection in 2021, the franchise will likely spend it on Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

So far, one of those observations looks to be coming to fruition already. Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11 eliminated Gang Green from any form of postseason contention. This means that the franchise can turn their attention to next season and plan for a better future beyond the regime of Adam Gase.

There is a high chance Gase will be issued a pink slip once the season concludes. Whoever steps into the role of head coach will likely not only have the top pick in the draft but an arsenal of draft picks under general manager Joe Douglas.

Having No. 1 in the 2021 NFL Draft could change the future of the New York Jets.

Jets fans will recall the last time they had the No. 1 overall pick was in the 1996 NFL Draft when they selected wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson out of USC. But getting that selection for the upcoming draft could be the most important pick in the franchise’s history.

There is a high chance that Lawrence will prove to be among the best draft picks in Jets history. In addition, the Jets have a general manager in Douglas who has acquiring talented players on his résume and, given the right coach, the days of purgatory for Gang Green may be far behind.

New York needs only look at other situations around the league where young quarterbacks placed with proper coaching and the right general manager and thriving and as a result, making a good living for themselves. The Jets are getting closer and closer to the top prize and that alone warrants a celebration in the fanbase.