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.
The Athletic – Dane Brugler
No. 2: Edge Arvell Reese – Ohio State
"Reese had one of the most impressive workouts at this year's combine — full stop. His athletic testing was outstanding, as expected, but his on-field performance was even more remarkable. His blend of speed, explosion and violence separates him in this class. 'Dude stole the freaking show,' an NFL scout said."
No. 16: WR Makai Lemon – USC
"Maybe the Jets will opt for more size at receiver to complement Garrett Wilson, but Lemon has the competitive DNA that should speak to head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey. Glenn had a front-row seat for Amon-Ra St. Brown with the Detroit Lions — it's a good bet he would want to add a stylistically similar player."
No. 33: LB C.J. Allen – Georgia
No. 44: CB Chris Johnson – San Diego State
"I love what the Jets were able to do in this mock: a high-level pass rush threat in Reese; a dynamic pass catcher in Lemon; a green-dot linebacker in the middle in Allen. And now at cornerback, Johnson, one of the more underrated prospects in the draft."
ESPN – Jordan Reid
No. 2: Edge Arvell Reese – Ohio State
"With five first-round picks over the next two years, it's essential for the Jets to find a bunch of building blocks. Reese's explosiveness makes him an option at edge rusher or off-ball linebacker. A high-upside prospect, few blockers are able to match his levels of explosion, and he also has the block deconstruction ability to wreak havoc at the first level of the defense. With New York trading edge rusher Jermaine Johnson last week, Reese would kick-start the Jets' rebuild as a key foundational player to their defense."
*Mock Trade with Dallas Cowboys for No. 12 selection*
No. 12: WR Makai Lemon – USC
"The Jets have four selections in the top 44, which gives them the ability to move up to add to a wide receiver room that consists of Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell and not much else. Lemon is a versatile player who can win from the outside or in the slot. His physical traits won't wow many, but he's capable of winning against all types of coverage. His 96.3 receiving yards per game was the third most of any player in the FBS last season. Lemon is also competitive after the catch; his 21 forced missed tackles ranked 14th among FBS receivers in 2025."
No. 33: CB Brandon Cisse – South Carolina
"The Jets would continue to retool their defense with Cisse, a hyperathletic corner who is just scratching the surface of his potential. He'd be a fun pairing with Azareye'h Thomas, New York's third-rounder from the 2025 draft."
No. 44: S A.J. Haulcy – LSU
"The Jets haven't drafted a safety in the first two days of the draft since 2020 (Ashtyn Davis). New York didn't record an interception last season and could use a ball hawk such as Haulcy, who recorded 10 interceptions in his college career."