2026 NFL Mock Draft has Jets addressing quarterback room, defensive line early

As the New York Jets struggle to make some headway in the sea of two-win and three-win teams at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft order, those who divine what will happen in 2026 NFL Mock Drafts were left with differing opinions on what Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey will do.

Marcus Mosher and Ryan Fowler of FanSided had the Jets going in different directions with their top picks. Mosher had the Jets starting over with a new quarterback, while Fowler believes the Jets should reinforce the rest of the roster before taking the plunge.

Mosher has the Jets using their own first-round pick on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. With the pick that would have been the Indianapolis Colts' selection, the Jets would reinforce their defensive tackle room with Florida star Caleb Banks later in the first round.

Fowler laid out what would happen if the Jets are unable or unwilling to draft one of the top quarterbacks in this class. The Jets would use their top 10 pick on Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, and their second first-rounder would be used to select Texas A&M pass rusher Cashius Howell.

Jets landing Ty Simpson, Jordyn Tyson, Caleb Banks in expert 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Simpson's stock has taken a bit of a dip after some poor performances in the last few weeks, but if he declares in what is a generally weak quarterback class, some team is going to fall in love with his sharp football brain, accuracy on deep passes, and ability to avoid turnovers.

Tyson has put some distance between himself and Ohio State's Carnell Tate, establishing himself firmly as the top wide receiver in this class. Putting him in the same offense as Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell could supercharge the Jets' new-look passing attack.

The Jets may have the reliable Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs on the interior, but Banks has a ceiling neither of them do, thanks to his immense athletic ability for someone his size. As a pass rusher, Banks may end up becoming a 10-year starter in the pros if he can stay healthy.

Howell, like Will McDonald, is not great at defending the run. However, he has a lightning-quick first step and has spent the past season dominating SEC competition. He should start right away next to Jermaine Johnson on the edge.

If Mougey plays his cards right, the 2026 NFL Draft could turn the Jets around.