Jets’ bold predictions in 2026 NFL Draft

The New York Jets are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the premier teams to watch. With four picks in the top 50 and a new general manager, Darren Mougey, who loves to trade, it could be a New York-heavy weekend in Pittsburgh. Ahead of the festivities, we have the Jets’ bold predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Jets have the second-overall pick and the 16th overall pick in the first round, which they got from the Indianapolis Colts in the Sauce Gardner trade. They also have the 33rd overall pick and the 44th overall pick, acquired from the Dallas Cowboys, in the second round. After a disastrous season, this is Mougey’s chance to rebuild this roster.

What will the Jets do in a very important NFL Draft?

The Jets draft Ty Simpson 33rd overall

Everyone is predicting that the Jets will take Ohio State defensive end Arvell Reese second overall. His positional versatility is a big selling point, pushing him ahead of other edge rushers. But at the most important position, New York currently employs Geno Smith. Despite recent comments from Aaron Glenn expressing confidence in the quarterback, Mougey will get a young signal caller.

The Jets will draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the first pick in the second round of the NFL Draft. They will then let him sit behind Smith for a year, learning under the veteran and offensive coordinator Frank Reich. Everyone is assuming they will try to land the best quarterback in next year’s class, but maybe Mougey surprises everyone and grabs one this year.

The 16th overall pick will be traded again

The Jets picked up the 16th overall pick and a 2027 first-round pick for Gardner at the trade deadline. They also got a 2027 first-round pick, in addition to the 44th pick, from the Cowboys for Williams. But when the 16th overall pick comes up, Mougey must weigh any option to pick up a fourth first-round selection in the 2027 draft.

Many draft experts believe that the 2027 draft is more talented than the 2026 class. The Jets need as much talent as they can get, and everyone knows they are not pushing to break the playoff drought this year. Finding a team that needs a wide receiver, trading them the 16th pick, where many mocks expect Omar Cooper Jr to land, and picking up a 2027 first-rounder would be great business.

If the Jets do use the 16th overall pick, taking Cooper would be a great pick. They need a wide receiver to support Garrett Wilson, and Cooper was a star for the Indiana Hooisers on their march to a National Championship.

Sauce Gardner will be replaced in the draft

The Jets lost DJ Reed in free agency before the 2025 season and then promptly traded Gardner at the trade deadline. What was a position of strength on a bad team is now a position of weakness on a pitiful team. Mougey made a lot of defensive signings in the offseason, but did not pick up anyone to play outside. That will come in the draft, where the Jets will take at least one corner.

This is likely to come at the 44th pick, where they could take one of Cooper’s teammates. D’Angelo Ponds was solid for the Hooisers all season long and is slated to land in the second round. San Diego State corner Chris Johnson could also be available, which would be a fascinating hire for the Jets. Christopher Johnson is one of the owners, and Chris ‘CJ2K’ Johnson was once on the team. Maybe Brick Johnson will pick him, just because he shares a name with his uncle.

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