5 non-QB prospects the Jets should have their eyes on in 2026 NFL Draft

Entering Week 6, all signs point to the New York Jets owning one of the top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. They sit winless at 0-5 and have a roster filled with holes, the kind of issues that could take multiple offseasons to address.

Quarterback is one of the primary positions that needs fixing, and while this upcoming class is deep at the position, there’s no clear-cut top prospect. Several other intriguing players near the top could help fix New York’s struggling defense, as well as others worth noting who have the potential to make noise in the NFL for the next decade.

There are game-changing non-quarterbacks for the Jets to consider, players who could make a real difference and help ease the sting of a difficult season, even if a long-term signal caller is still needed.

5. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

The Jets cannot rush the passer. They’ve struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks and can only rely on Micheal Clemons and the talented but often-injured Jermaine Johnson for so long. Finding edge rushers in the 2026 draft will be imperative.

If the Jets remain near the top of the draft order, players like Keldric Faulk will be available in a class loaded with intriguing defensive linemen.

The Auburn product, specifically, is a massive and imposing 6-foot-6, 285-pound presence who will be a challenge for opposing offensive linemen to handle at the next level. He’s also terrific against the run and offers versatility across different defensive fronts.

Faulk still needs to refine his pass-rush skills, which might place him below other top defensive linemen when the draft arrives, and while he has just two sacks as of Oct. 10, he will still be considered one of the better defensive prospects in April.

4. T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Continuing the theme of defensive players, T.J. Parker broke out as a sophomore in 2024 with 11.5 sacks and six forced fumbles, establishing himself as a disruptive force and a prospect for NFL teams to keep a close eye on.

Parker is an aggressive lineman with refined technique who uses his football IQ to make plays even when his explosive first step isn’t there. At 6-foot-3, he isn’t as big as Faulk, but his relentless motor and consistent effort give him the potential to be a standout at the next level, one capable of giving opposing quarterbacks problems for the next decade.

For the Jets, unless they trade for a pass rusher, Parker steps in as a starter in Week 1 and goes to work with Quinnen Williams on a suddenly talented front.

3. Francis Mauigoa, OT/OG, Miami

Entering the 2025 season, Francis Mauigoa looked like the nation’s top offensive lineman, and he’s only improved his draft stock since then.

He already has the ideal frame at 6-foot-6 and nearly 350 pounds, along with the power and athleticism to dominate both the run and pass game against top-tier edge rushers. Mauigoa has been a steady force on Miami’s offensive line and a key reason why the Hurricanes are one of the best teams in the country.

While Mauigoa still needs to refine his hand placement and pad level, his upside is huge. He projects as an immediate starter in the NFL and has the strength and skill to protect a quarterback for a long time.

The Jets probably don’t need another offensive tackle after spending big on the position in consecutive drafts, but Mauigoa is still worth mentioning, especially since some believe he's more of a guard at the next level.

2. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

It’s hard to justify taking a safety in the top five unless the talent is truly special. The Jets did it once with Jamal Adams, and while that move didn’t work out as a long-term solution, they still managed to acquire multiple first-round picks in return to help build the roster.

Caleb Downs is the next in that rare category of high-level safeties likely to be selected early in 2026. He’s arguably the most talented player in the class, too.

Downs processes information at an elite speed with exceptional football IQ, diagnosing plays before most safeties even realize what’s developing. He also plays with the coverage skills of a cornerback and is highly effective against the run. What more could a team want?

The Jets also sorely need help in the defensive backfield. Sauce Gardner can shut down an opponent’s top receiver, but the rest of the secondary remains a question mark. While it’s fair to assume the front office would consider a quarterback if they land the first overall pick, Downs would absolutely be in play if they trade down a few spots.

1. Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

In a top-heavy class of defensive linemen, Rueben Bain Jr. is arguably the alpha of the group. A calf injury limited him in 2024, but he has come back strong this season on a talented Miami team, showcasing why he’s one of the best players in the country.

He’s not the tallest edge rusher, but he makes up for it with a dominant first step and an incredible motor. Bain looks like the next force of nature at the NFL level.

He’s consistently in the backfield, using swim moves and quick hands to disrupt plays, whether it’s attacking the quarterback on the pass rush or tracking down running backs to blow up plays behind the line of scrimmage. He can also be deployed in multiple defensive fronts, adding valuable versatility.

The primary concerns are his durability and slightly smaller frame compared to other top linemen. However, his talent and relentless play style should allow him to overcome those limitations, and he’s worth a first-round selection even if there’s some worry about his ability to hold up over a full 17-game season.