Jets fans should jump for joy if 2-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft comes true

The New York Jets could go in one of hundreds of directions in the 2026 NFL Draft, as the team's lack of overall talent makes it plausible that any one of dozens of landing players could make sense. ESPN's Matt Miller believes they can not only land four new starters, with their top-50 picks, but they can find amazing value as well.

While Miller has the Jets using the No. 2 pick on the player everyone expects them to take in Ohio State linebacker/pass rusher Arvell Reese, the No. 16 pick will be used to bring in a dream target in USC wide receiver Makai Lemon.

The two second-round picks, which currently stand at No. 33 and No. 44 overall, will be used to select a first-round defensive tackle talent in Ohio State's Kayden McDonald and a quarterback that many believe will be a first-round lock in Alabama's Ty Simpson, respectively.

If this mock draft ended up coming true, the Jets could end up with perhaps the best overall player in the draft, as well as three players who have all been mocked to the Jets at various points at No. 16 overall. Darren Mougey may as well be fitted for his gold jacket already.

Jets land four new starters in ESPN 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Reese has a higher ceiling than Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. due to his athleticism, and that versatility might make him more intriguing than a pure sack artist in Texas Tech's David Bailey. Despite Bain's strong performance in the 2026 National Championship game, Reese is looking like the odds-on favorite.

Lemon is regarded as one of the three heads of the wide receiver hydra alongside Ohio State's Carnell Tate and Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson, and their recent surge up big boards makes it unlikely either will be there at No. 16. If one of them slips, however, the Jets will run the card up.

McDonald is a bit one-dimensional, which could lead to him falling in the rankings, but the Jets may need someone who can eventually succeed Harrison Phillips on the interior. He and Jowon Briggs can lock down the defensive tackle position for the next decade without a second thought.

Simpson might be a big risk in the first round, but the Jets should pounce on him if he lasts until the second round. With a strong arm, a quick processing brain, and accuracy down the field, Simpson could provide a jolt under center that wakes this offense up.