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: LB Arvell Reese – Ohio State
"I go back and forth between Reese and Texas Tech's David Bailey here. Reese, with experience playing on the line and off the ball, gives the Jets more scheme flexibility in their 3-4 defense."
No. 16: WR Omar Cooper Jr. – Indiana
"Cooper would be an awesome complement to veteran receiver Garrett Wilson. The former Hoosier is a tough pass catcher who can play inside and outside."
No. 2: LB Arvell Reese – Ohio State
"The Jermaine Johnson II trade earlier this month paved the way for the Jets to go edge rusher at No. 2. Arvell Reese offers the highest theoretical ceiling of any rusher in this class with his high-end explosiveness and unique play strength for an undersized rusher. The only concern is his limited playing time off the edge."
No. 16: CB Jermod McCoy – Tennessee
"Jermod McCoy is the type of prospect the Jets are uniquely positioned to take a chance on. He'll likely fall below where his tape suggests he should go because he missed last fall with an ACL tear. When healthy, though, he's a top-10 caliber talent at corner."
No. 2: Edge David Bailey – Texas Tech
"In my January mock draft, I had Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese here. In February, I went with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Now, it's Bailey. These are all good options for a defense that could use a lot of help, but the Jets really need an instant impact edge rusher. They were 31st in sacks last season (26) and traded Jermaine Johnson, further thinning out the unit. They have to find foundational players off the edge. And Bailey is explosive and productive, posting 14.5 sacks (tied for first in the FBS), 71 pressures (second) and a 20.2% pressure rate (first) last season."
No. 16: QB Ty Simpson – Alabama
"The Jets don't have to draft a quarterback here. They traded for Geno Smith as a bridge option and have three first-round picks in 2027, when the QB class should be a lot better. But this is a good range for Simpson, who has only 15 career starts but throws with accuracy, processes quickly and moves well in the pocket. He threw 28 touchdown passes in 2025 and is a first-round QB in my book. Simply put, New York has to take some swings to figure out the long-term solution under center. I could see the Jets drafting Simpson and letting him learn and develop a little behind Smith before he moves into the starter role."
No. 2: LB Arvell Reese – Ohio State
"The Jets raised the floor of their defense with both trades and free agent signings. T'Vondre Sweat, David Onyemata, Joseph Ossai, Kingsley Enagbare and Demario Davis will help a front seven that got bullied by the run last year. In this scenario Reese will play both as a stand up edge rusher and off ball linebacker, bringing much needed speed at multiple positions."
No. 16: WR Jordyn Tyson – Arizona State
"While the debate around the Jets second overall pick has narrowed on front seven players, the possibilities significantly open up in this slot. Even after signing Dylan Parham, Olaivavega Ioane will be in play for the offensive line. In this scenario, one of the big three wide receivers makes it here because of questions around Jordyn Tyson's ability to stay healthy. In terms of talent, I think he's the best wide receiver in this draft. That's a gamble the Jets should be willing to make here as he pairs up with Garrett Wilson."
No. 2: LB Arvell Reese – Ohio State
"This is where the draft starts. Reese has reminded me of star edge rusher Micah Parsons since the fall. He's a sensational player, and I know he's just scratching the surface. This is a guy who played as a starter for just one season and was just learning how to play the edge. He's an excellent pass rusher, whether he's rushing from the interior or edge. He's got bend, athleticism and explosiveness. He's got tremendous upside, and I believe he could be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate early in his career."
No. 16: QB Ty Simpson – Alabama
"The Jets got Geno Smith in a trade with the Raiders this past week. Let's be real, though, New York shouldn't be saying, "We're all set" at quarterback after that move. I can't get Simpson out of my head, either. My knock on Simpson isn't his size, because he can make throws outside the hashes and down the field, but that he only started for one season in college. However, with Smith in tow, Simpson doesn't need to start right away. He also played well in some big moments, like at Georgia and at Oklahoma this past season."
Check out the best photos of the Jets 2026 free agent additions playing with their former teams.
