The New York Jets are looking to come out of the 2026 NFL Draft with a haul, especially in the first round with their two picks inside the top half of the round.
Picks No. 2 and 16 are valuable selections, and should open the door to the Jets taking two instant-impact players. There have been plenty of players often linked to the Jets, and they've revolved around the edge rusher and wide receiver positions.
According to ESPN's Peter Schrager's mock draft, based on what he's hearing from around the league, the Jets are projected to draft a 14.5 sack edge rusher and a 13-touchdown wide receiver with the second and 16th picks, respectively.
Jets projected to draft edge, WR with first rounders
At second overall, Schrager has the Jets taking David Bailey, the edge rusher out of Texas Tech. "This will likely be either Bailey or Ohio State's Arvell Reese - New York was 31st in sacks last season with 26 - but I have to think Bailey is the guy for the Jets."
The Jets need to add more help to their pass rusher room, and adding someone like Bailey, who recorded 14.5 sacks last season, would not be a bad option at all.
He's a good scheme fit and would be a nice pickup for the defensive line as a high-quality replacement for Jermaine Johnson, whom the Jets traded for T'Vondre Sweat earlier this offseason.
More: Jets' ideal pick at No. 2 overall is Arvell Reese out of Ohio State
Then, down the board a bit with the 16th pick, Schrarger has the Jets projected to select Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
"Every GM I speak to seems to love Cooper," Schrager writes. "... The Jets are all about creating a strong culture right now and building with guys who want it more than the ones lining up against them. That's Cooper. He'd be a great complement to Garrett Wilson."
Cooper had 13 touchdowns and 937 yards receiving on 69 receptions last year for the National Champions. It was a nice season for Cooper, and the best work he's done in his collegiate career.
While he might be more of a slot receiver than some other options in Round 1, that's an open roster spot for the Jets with Wilson and Adonai Mithcell capable outside options.
If the Jets came out of the first round with David Bailey and Omar Cooper Jr. without having to move up or down, it would be a great return for Mougey and Glenn.
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