Jets' early free agency spending reshapes new 7-round mock draft

The New York Jets were an active team in free agency, but at the same time, didn't go overboard with their spending. An effort was made to add some more adults to the room, and they did just that, bringing in perennial Pro Bowlers like linebacker Demario Davis and Minkah Fitzpatrick.

All those veteran additions were made with the understanding that one of the youngest teams in the NFL is about to get even younger, as the Jets armed with nine draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including four in the top 44.

But who will the Jets be adding with those selections? And what positions still need addressing even after an exciting first wave of free agency?

7-round NFL mock draft after initial wave of Jets' free agency

Round 1, Pick 2: Arvell Reese, OLB, Ohio State

At this point in the predraft process, it's starting to feel incredibly safe to pencil Reese in as the No. 2 overall pick. It's no sure thing that he translates to the Micah Parsons-type pass rusher that some experts think he can be, but the Jets would be at minimum getting an elite athletic talent at linebacker. Besides, after trading Jermaine Johnson, New York needs some more juice off the edge, and the swing is worth it for a prospect with All-Pro upside.

Round 1, Pick 16: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

At this point in the draft, all three of the big-name receivers, Carnell Tate, Jordan Tyson, and Makai Lemon, were off the board. Interior offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane wasn't available here either, so the Jets turn to another position of need in Thieneman. With Minkah Fitzpatrick set to play primarily nickel this season, New York needs someone they can trust to man the backend of their defense, and that's what they get out of the pro-ready Oregon Duck.

Round 2, Pick 33: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

On top of his incredible season with the National Champion Hoosiers, Cooper Jr. has been shooting up draft boards throughout the pre-draft process. As Fernando Mendoza's top target, the Indiana native hauled in 69 receptions for 937 yards and a whopping 13 touchdowns. The Jets desperately need at talent at wide receiver, and Cooper Jr. could develop into the No. 2 option they need across from Garrett Wilson.

Round 2, Pick 44: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M

With Alijah Vera-Tucker gone, the Jets need a new long-term plan at guard opposite Joe Tippmann. Dylan Parham was a quality signing, but the structure of his contract suggests the team understands he's likely a short-term stopgap. Drafting Bisontis here gives him a year to sit and learn, and hopefully take over as a full-time starter in 2027.

Round 4, Pick 103: Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh

Linebacker isn't necessarily a dire need for the Jets. They added Demario Davis in free agency and have Jamien Sherwood entering the second year of a three-year, $45 million contract. But what if New York could flip Sherwood to say... the Tennessee Titans for quarterback Will Levis? They can reunite Saleh with another one of his star pupils, while the Jets get the backup QB they're looking for and clear Sherwood's contract off the books. That's exactly what happens in this fantasy mock draft world, and the Jets get their replacement in Louis.

Round 4, Pick 140: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati

The Jets need to add some young faces to their defensive line. Harrison Phillips and David Onyemata are good players, but they're both on the wrong side of 30. Enter the prospect affectionately referred to as "the Godfather." The 6-foot-1, 335-pound Corleone can be a rotational member of New York's defensive front, and could even spell new addition T'Vondre Sweat at nose tackle when need be from Day 1.

Round 5, Pick 179: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

The Jets are going to draft a quarterback at some point in the 2026 NFL Draft. Where and when remains unseen, but they need to add a young face to the room not named Brady Cook. Enter Allar, arguably the most polarizing prospect in the entire class. The Nittany Lion has all the traits you would want in your starting quarterback, including the arm, size, and athleticism. His main issue is he hasn't been able to put it all together mentally yet, and it remains unclear if he ever will. The upside is at least worth a Day 3 swing, and maybe Frank Reich will be able to work with him a bit.

Round 7, Pick 228: Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech

After addressing a need with Cooper Jr. at the top of the second round, the Jets take another swing at wide receiver with the 6-foot-4 Texas Tech wideout Douglas. New York doesn't have a wideout who can go up and win 50-50 balls, and the Red Rebel could be that guy. He's not as good an athlete as some of the other pass catchers in this class, hence his being available in the seventh round, but he may be worth the dart throw from his frame alone.

Round 7, Pick 242: DJ Rogers, TE, TCU

The Jets are relatively set at tight end, with 2025 second-round pick Mason Taylor and recently extended Jeremy Ruckert leading the way, but it doesn't hurt to have a third tight end who functions primarily as a blocker and can develop his ability in the passing game. The 6-foot-4 Rogers could be that player for the Jets, considering their in-house option, Jelani Woods, is more of a receiving threat than willing blocker.