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
"The Jets have needs all over their defense. Reese is versatile and athletic. I think he'll benefit from working off the edge full time after also playing off-ball linebacker during his Buckeyes career."
No. 16: WR Carnell Tate – Ohio State
"This would be a value pick, but we see talented receivers go in this area of the draft year after year (Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Emeka Egbuka, Justin Jefferson). The Jets pair former Ohio State star Garrett Wilson with a fellow Buckeye."
No. 2: Edge Arvell Reese – Ohio State
"If a chance to select a quarterback presents itself later in the first round, New York should be ready. But the Jets need so much and can start here by taking the best player available. Reese has traits that are awfully reminiscent of what we've seen from Micah Parsons."
No. 16: QB Ty Simpson – Alabama
"This is a bit higher than where the Giants selected Jaxson Dart last year, but the idea would be similar. Simpson has high-level potential as a processor plus arm talent and legit athleticism. His level of experience is incredibly low for a potential first-round QB, though, so a complete scouting effort will be necessary."
No. 33: Edge Akheem Mesidor – Miami
No. 44: CB Colton Hood – Tennessee
No. 2: Edge Arvell Reese – Ohio State
"Arvell Reese is a nice piece for a franchise with plenty of holes, thanks to his versatility as both a box defender and an edge rusher. He brings elite twitch and instincts, along with the size and length to hold up in multiple spots."
No. 16: OT Caleb Lomu – Utah
"Caleb Lomu is an experienced left tackle with the traits you want protecting the blindside. He has good feet, strong technique and is a solid run blocker with lateral movement and knee bend that helps maximize his lower-body explosion."
No. 2: Edge Rueben Bain Jr. – Miami
"With no other quarterback warranting a selection this high, the Jets opt to add a dominant defensive presence in Rueben Bain Jr. to their defensive line. After nearly leading Miami to a national championship, Bain finished his final college season with a 92.8 PFF grade that ranked second among Power Four edge defenders, trailing only Texas Tech's David Bailey."
No. 16: WR Makai Lemon – USC
"The Jets need to continue adding offensive weapons alongside Garrett Wilson, and this year's Biletnikoff Award winner, Makai Lemon, fits that need. Lemon led the FBS in receiving grade (91.4) this season, consistently showcasing his efficiency, toughness and yards-after-catch ability. While questions about his size will persist, he has repeatedly proven capable of being the best player on the field."
No. 2: Edge Rueben Bain Jr. – Miami (FL)
"The Jets would love a quarterback good enough to take here, but there isn't one. So this is a smart time to go best player available, which very well could be Bain. He doesn't have prototypical build, but he has incredible athleticism and skill to be an impact defensive end in the NFL from Day 1."
No. 16: WR Jordyn Tyson – Arizona State
"This could be a steal here for the Jets, who get to add another high-upside, high-floor prospect here in Tyson. Figuring out who will be throwing them the ball next season is a different story, but Tyson and Garrett Wilson is a good one-two punch for somebody."
