The Jets currently have the No. 2 & No. 16 picks in the 2026 draft. Below is a compilation of mock drafts. The views expressed are not representative of any Jets personnel.
No. 2: Edge Arvell Reese – Ohio State
"Though it's disappointing for the Jets that Dante Moore isn't on the board, it gives them an opportunity to select whomever they see as the best non-quarterback in the class — and Reese is a prime candidate. He played a hybrid role for the Buckeyes last season, mostly spying and setting the edge, but he was disruptive when allowed to use his speed and violence as a pass rusher."
No. 16: WR Makai Lemon – USC
"The Jets have one legit starter (Garrett Wilson) on their wide receiver depth chart and desperately need to add another weapon who scares defenses. Lemon won't wow with his size or athletic profile, but he is a manipulative route runner and catches everything thrown his way. If the Jets think his impact can be anything close to what the Lions have gotten from Amon-Ra St. Brown, they should run the card to the podium."
No. 2: Edge Arvell Reese – Ohio State
"An explosive, high-motor LB with a versatile skill set that includes elite closing speed vs. both the run and the pass. He is a terror coming downhill, showcasing his strength and athleticism to shoot gaps, shed blocks and collapse the pocket. Reese is a wrap-up tackling machine who consistently plays with an aggressive edge and the versatility to line up across the front seven. One of the biggest risers over the first month of the college season."
No. 16: QB Ty Simpson – Alabama
"Simpson is a big-armed pocket passer who plays with composure and outstanding mental processing both before and after the snap. He plays with an aggressive confidence and excels at navigating muddy pockets, throwing accurately on short and intermediate routes, and ripping tight-window throws with anticipation -- though he has been historically inconsistent on deep balls. Simpson is athletic enough to buy time with his legs to extend plays and move the sticks."
No. 2: S Caleb Downs – Ohio State
"The Jets were thrown a curveball in their desperate need for a franchise QB with Dante Moore deciding to return to Oregon, making losing the No. 1 to the Raiders hurt even more. They should be smart then tot able QB for a veteran bridge or a later-rounder and grab this needed dominant do-everything playmaker for Aaron Glenn's defense."
No. 16: WR Denzel Boston – Washington
"Boston has a chance to creep into the conversation for top wide receiver, much like Tetairoa McMillan did as a first-round pick for the Panthers last year. Boston's classic size-speed-strength profile would complement Garrett Wilson well."
No. 2: Edge Arvell Reese – Ohio State
"New York will need to use the second pick to add a franchise cornerstone anywhere. This class is defensive heavy, and that lines up well for the team to start reloading a now depleted defense. There will be conversations about whether Reese should stay at linebacker or move to edge rusher full time, where he flourished for Ohio State, but I trust the staff to figure out what he does best and let him do his thing. Reese can become a super star for Gang Green once they figure some things out for his next level projection.
No. 16: QB Ty Simpson – Alabama
"It feels like ancient history that Simpson was once viewed as a potential top pick before he had a rollercoaster end to an otherwise strong season. When provided a pocket, Simpson can pick apart defenses, plus he's more of a dual threat quarterback than Alabama's scheme allowed him to be. Thanks to heavy investments to their offensive line, the Jets can give Simpson the protection he needs to pick defenses apart."
No. 2: WR Carnell Tate – Ohio State
"With Oregon QB Dante Moore returning to school, a trade-down is firmly in play for the Jets to stockpile assets for a run at a QB in the 2027 draft. If they stick, I think they could take a WR to pair with Garrett Wilson and put their 2027 first-round QB in position to succeed quickly. Carnell Tate (6-3/195) emerged in 2025 as one of college football's cleanest and most efficient perimeter separators, turning 67 targets into 51 receptions for 875 yards (17.2 YPR) and nine touchdowns with a 76.1% catch rate. With polished ball skills, pro-ready route pacing, downfield economy, and no glaring usage red flags, Tate projects as a high-floor, high-efficiency NFL X/Z hybrid who can step into a starting role early."
No. 16: CB Mansoor Delane – LSU
"A three-time All-ACC performer at Virginia Tech, Mansoor Delane (6'0/190) put together a sensational 2025 season as LSU's top cover corner, earning elite PFF marks with a 90.7 overall grade and 91.0 coverage grade to go with a 74.4 run-defense and 76.4 tackling grades. Over 339 coverage snaps he was targeted only about one in every 10 snaps, giving up just 10 completions on 36 attempts for 119 yards with zero touchdowns allowed, while piling up two interceptions and 11 pass breakups, which held quarterbacks to a minuscule 3.9 QBR."
