2026 NFL Mock Draft has Jets crushing offseason with stars at EDGE, WR

The New York Jets can go in one of about 50 different directions in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the need for more perimeter talent and a star pass rusher who can stabilize the defense are the two biggest holes Darren Mougey must fill.

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt, as part of his contribution to a beat writer-led NFL Mock Draft, had the Jets using the No. 2 overall pick on Reese, who is presumably still the betting favorite. The Jets did land a wide receiver at No. 16 overall, even though popular target Makai Lemon went off the board early.

The No. 16 pick was used on Washington's Denzel Boston, who is trying to secure the title of WR4 for himself as he competes with names like Texas A&M's KC Concepcion and Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. Landing these two would be a slam dunk for Darren Mougey in his quest to rebuild the roster.

Jets land Arvell Reese, Denzel Boston in 2026 NFL Mock Draft

While Reese doesn't have a set position due to his waffling between inside linebacker and edge rusher, he may be the best overall athlete in this class. With strength that belies his size, tremendous movement skills in the open field, and preposterously efficient pass-rush skills, Reese has All-Pro talent written all over him.

Even if Reese transitions to full-time edge work in the NFL, he should be an immediate starter and producer off the edge for New York. His versatility could give the Jets flexibility when it comes to covering tight ends or spying mobile quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Drake Maye.

Boston might be a better fit for the Jets than many smaller receivers, as he looks like a traditional X receiver who is at his best when he can fight for contested catches. With rock-solid hands and the requisite physicality needed to win against pro athletes, Boston fits this offense like a glove.

The quarterback play may not look pretty, but the idea of going into 2026 with Garrett Wilson getting the lion's share of the targets, two solid athletes in Boston and Adonai Mitchell in complementary roles, and Mason Taylor at tight end could be quite an enticing collection for Frank Reich to work with.

The Jets may not be a winning team in the 2026 season, but the groundwork for being an improved team in Aaron Glenn's second season is there if they manage to crush it in April.