Caleb Banks, Florida
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Former Florida Gators defensive tackle Caleb Banks trying to make a play during a college football game versus LSU.
The New York Jets have a big void in the middle of their defense.
In Field Yates’ latest mock draft for ESPN, he helped fix that. He predicted that the Jets would select Florida Gators defensive tackle Caleb Banks with the No. 16 overall pick in the first round of his mock.
“Quarterback was once again a consideration for the Jets, but they can afford to be patient with three first-round picks in 2027. The extremely talented Banks could pair with Reese and solidify their defensive cornerstones moving forward. Banks was limited to just three games this past season due to injury, but he showcased his upside during a dominant week of practice at the Senior Bowl. At 6-foot-6, 330 pounds with 35-inch arms, his overwhelming size should translate to the NFL level. He could become a top-10 player from this class with the proper development,” Yates wrote.
Banks was one of only two defensive tackles who went in the first round of Yates’ mock draft simulation.
The Jets Have a Huge Spot to Fill on Defense
Ahead of the 2025 NFL trade deadline, the Jets shipped off former first-team All-Pro DT Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys.
The Jets got a seismic return with a 2026 second-round draft choice and a 2027 first-rounder. However, they lost a key piece on defense and one of the better overall players on the team.
The green and white made the right choice, getting rid of a 28-year-old player who clearly didn’t want to be there anymore, but it doesn’t erase the clear need at DT.
When you take a gander at the leftover players on the roster at defensive tackle, there is much to be desired.
Harrison Phillips is a nice veteran player. He isn’t a game wrecker, but Phillips is a solid No. 2 who brings some leadership skills to the table.
Jowon Briggs is an exclusive rights free agent this offseason. That is a fancy way of saying the Jets will have Briggs back for a cheap rate in 2026. He is a young player with upside that should be a factor in the rotation.
What this group lacks is star power. A straw that stirs the drink, so to speak. Williams was that guy for the green and white. Now they need another player to step up to the plate.
It remains to be seen if the Jets will stick with their 4-3 principles as a base defense or shift to a 3-4. Depending on the answer to that question, that could change the dating profile of what the Jets are looking for this offseason. Do they need a big fat nose tackle who can eat up space in the run game, or perhaps a more fluid upfield pass rusher?
A Popular Choice Has Emerged for the Jets
With Fernando Mendoza all but assured to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Jets are unofficially officially on the clock.
Basically, the Jets have the No. 1 overall pick of all the non-quarterbacks in this class. With so many needs, there is a litany of directions the Jets could go with this selection.
However, the most popular choice so far has been Ohio State defender Arvell Reese. With the No. 2 overall pick in the first round, Yates predicted the Jets would snag Reese.
“Only the 49ers finished with fewer sacks than the Jets in 2025, so Reese could bring New York’s defense significant pass-rush upside and versatility,” Yates wrote for ESPN.
“After playing mostly inside linebacker at Ohio State prior to last season, Reese kicked out to a primary edge role in 2025 and posted 6.5 sacks. Only Will McDonald IV had a higher sack total (8) among Jets players last season. Reese has great length, a quick first step, and smooth athletic movements to bend the edge around opposing tackles,” Yates added.