Jets confirmed the obvious about Caleb Downs after Jermaine Johnson trade

The New York Jets could go in a few different directions in the 2026 NFL Draft, though many believe the team with the No. 2 overall pick may be better off if they take the best player available, irrespective of position. That player could be Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.

Downs is considered by many to be the best overall player in the draft and the best safety prospect in almost a decade, and the Jets need someone on the back end. However, their decision to trade Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans for T'Vondre Sweat could be a

After the Johnson trade, pass rusher has once again become a huge area of need for this team. Picking Downs at No. 2 overall seems like a pipe dream at this point, as the pick will almost assuredly be used to select a pass rusher who can replace (and improve upon) Johnson in the short term.

Jets may not draft Caleb Downs at No. 2 after Jermaine Johnson trade

With Johnson gone and Will McDonald standing out as the league's worst run defender on the edge, it seems unlikely that the Jets will eschew adding someone who can help stop the run. Likewise, this seemingly confirms that two particular edge rushers will be held in higher regard.

With Texas Tech's David Bailey performing worse against the run than Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. and Ohio State's Arvell Reese, it seems more likely that one of those last two will be in New York when May rolls around. The Jets have placed an emphasis on stopping the run.

Between the acquisitions of Phillips and Jowon Briggs last offseason and the decision to acquire Sweat, Glenn wants to build an impregnable line up front. Downs, for his many amazing qualities, is not going to help the Jets improve what was the worst area of their team last season.

The only way the Jets can get Downs is hoping that he falls into the latter half of the top 10 before acquiring him via a trade-up. With three picks in the Top 50, not including the top selection, Mougey is as well-equipped as anyone to possibly make a move for a player like Downs.

With Johnson gone, however, No. 2 seems to be reserved for whichever of the top pass rush prospects impresses the Jets the most. Let's hope Downs didn't start apartment hunting in New York.