Jets make bold first-round move for Ty Simpson in 7-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft

The New York Jets are entering a pivotal offseason under Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey, with both decision-makers fully aware that they need to win football games in 2026 to keep their jobs.

The urgency is real, and finding long-term answers at quarterback will, of course, remain at the center of everything they do. Fortunately, the Jets are positioned with both financial flexibility and a stockpile of draft capital, including the No. 2 overall pick and four selections inside the top 44.

As draft season ramps up, countless scenarios are being explored around how the Jets could leverage that advantage. One of the most intriguing involves trading back into the first round to land Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.

How would that move affect the rest of the draft, and what would it cost the Jets to pull it off? Let's take a look in our latest seven-round 2026 mock draft, with help from Pro Football Focus's mock simulator.

Updated New York Jets 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Round 1, Pick 2: Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State

Ohio State hybrid defender Arvell Reese is one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2026 draft, but he also makes a ton of sense for the Jets at No. 2 overall and seems to be the early favorite.

While Reese played primarily off-ball linebacker at Ohio State, he flashed genuine upside as a pass rusher, and any team drafting him this high would likely be betting on a full-time transition to the edge at the NFL level.

Despite being listed at just 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Reese is one of the strongest players in the class and a high-end athlete. He should be a quality run defender right away, and if he can carry over the pass-rush efficiency he showed in college with an expanded role, he has a legitimate All-Pro ceiling.

Reese offers a higher long-term upside than someone like Rueben Bain and is a more complete defender than David Bailey, making him a logical swing for a Jets team picking this high.

Round 1, Pick 16: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The Jets get a little lucky at No. 16 as USC wide receiver Makai Lemon falls right into their lap. In a class that also includes Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson and Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, Lemon is arguably the cleanest and most translatable receiver of the group.

He lacks ideal size and elite long speed at 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, but he is the best route runner and separator in the class, with outstanding hands, body control, and reliability at the catch point.

Lemon consistently wins with technique and feel, which are traits that tend to translate immediately to the NFL level. He would step right in as the Jets’ WR2 opposite Garrett Wilson and provide instant production, even if he is not a perfect stylistic complement.

If Lemon somehow makes it to No. 16, this is a pick the Jets should make without hesitation. He's not quite Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but the widespread comparisons aren't that much of a stretch. Some teams will overlook him as a prospect — the Jets should not be one of them.

Round 1, Pick 27: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (TRADE)

The Jets trade back into the first round at No. 27 to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, sending No. 33 overall, a fourth-round pick at No. 103, and a fifth-rounder at No. 178 to the 49ers.

Moving into the first round gives the Jets the valuable fifth-year option on Simpson’s rookie contract, adding an extra layer of team control at the game’s most important position.

Simpson is a one-year starter whose play dipped late in the season, and there are legitimate concerns about his size at 6-foot-2, 208 pounds, along with injuries that slowed him down during the second half of his senior year.

Still, he brings plenty of translatable traits, including accuracy, advanced processing, and comfort operating an NFL-style offense. He may not have a massive arm or elite physical tools, but his decision-making, poise, and underrated mobility give him a realistic path to developing into a starting-caliber quarterback with time.

If the Jets are going to take a swing at a quarterback in this class, Simpson is the most sensible bet, especially if Glenn and Mougey are looking for another way to save their jobs.

Round 2, Pick 44: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

The Jets use the final pick of their premium capital at No. 44 to land Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, one of the most complete defensive backs in the class.

After transferring from Purdue for his junior season, Thieneman quickly established himself as one of the best safeties in college football, posting an elite 91.9 PFF coverage grade and earning first-team All-American honors in the process.

At just 21 years old, Thieneman brings a rare combination of instincts, range, and versatility, with the ability to play as a true single-high safety or operate closer to the line in a big nickel or robber role.

He is a high-IQ coverage defender who also proved reliable as a tackler, missing just 8.3 percent of his attempts last season. With excellent ball skills, including eight interceptions over three college seasons, Thieneman would pair well with Malachi Moore and has a clear path to early playing time in the Jets' secondary, pending what they do in free agency.

Round 5, Pick 175: Pat Coogan, iOL, Indiana

After a long gap, the Jets are back on the clock at No. 175 and come away with a strong developmental offensive lineman in Indiana center Pat Coogan. Coogan brings three years of starting experience, most recently serving as the starting center for the national champion Hoosiers in 2025.

He previously spent three seasons at Notre Dame, including a starting stint at left guard in 2023 before sliding over to center in 2024. At 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds, Coogan is a physical run blocker with a sound technical base in pass protection.

He would provide immediate depth (and potential competition) alongside Josh Myers at center while also offering flexibility at left guard. Long term, Coogan has the traits and experience to develop into a future starter, making him a smart value pick in the fifth round.

Round 6, Pick 193: Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington

The Jets add one of the best names in this draft class in the sixth round with Washington cornerback Ephesians Prysock. At 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, Prysock is one of the most physically imposing corners in the draft, with length, size, and a willingness to contribute against the run.

His profile fits the type of cornerback that Aaron Glenn has targeted, with Brandon Stephens and Azareye’h Thomas as obvious examples of tall, physical boundary cornerbacks on the roster.

Prysock offers intriguing developmental upside as a long, physical outside corner who can compete for a depth role early. He has the tools to develop into a potential starter and is a logical scheme fit in Glenn's defense.

Round 6, Pick 207: Max Bredeson, TE/FB, Michigan

Later in the sixth round at No. 207 overall, the Jets add Michigan tight end/fullback hybrid Max Bredeson. Bredeson spent five seasons at Michigan and was a two-time team captain, bringing leadership and toughness to the Wolverines' roster.

At 6-foot-1 and 249 pounds, he thrives as a hard-nosed blocker, posting an impressive 85.2 PFF run-blocking grade last season. He projects as a younger, cheaper version of Andrew Beck, who is set to hit free agency, and could step in immediately as the Jets’ starting fullback.

Bredeson also offers versatility as an in-line blocker, H-back, and traditional fullback, while contributing on special teams. He will find a home on some NFL team's roster this summer, and the Jets could use someone like him in their offense.

Round 7, Pick 219: James Thompson Jr., DT, Illinois

With the first of their two seventh-round picks at No. 219, the Jets take a flier on Illinois defensive tackle James Thompson Jr. as they look to rebuild depth along the interior of their defensive line.

Thompson transferred from Wisconsin for his senior season and brings prototypical size at 6-foot-6, 310 pounds. He is already a reliable run defender, finishing the year without missing a single tackle while posting a strong 79.4 run-defense grade and recording 24 run stops.

While he remains a limited athlete and an undeveloped pass rusher, Thompson has a clear role at the next level. He profiles as a rotational run-stuffer who can compete for a roster spot and provide valuable early-down depth up front.

Round 7, Pick 243: Xavian Sorey Jr., LB, Arkansas

With their final pick at No. 243, the Jets take a late-round swing on Arkansas linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. At this stage of the draft, teams are largely targeting athletes who can carve out niche roles or contribute on special teams, and Sorey fits that profile.

A former five-star recruit who spent his first three college seasons at Georgia, Sorey brings intriguing athletic traits at 6-foot-3, 225 pounds. His on-field production lagged behind the tools, as he struggled in coverage, posted a 50.3 PFF grade, and missed 22 percent of his tackles last season.

Still, his athleticism gives him a pathway to making a roster, particularly as a special teams contributor. If the Jets can harness those traits, Sorey could develop into a depth linebacker and key piece of Chris Banjo’s special teams units.