Jets fix their lousy defense in 2-round NFL Mock Draft after Dante Moore news

The New York Jets' plans of selecting a franchise quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft have already fallen apart, as projected No. 2 overall pick Dante Moore decided to return to Oregon for the 2026 season. Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey must find yet another veteran stopgap.

It seems like the best way forward for this regime is to use their four top-50 picks on getting the best players available. In a draft that is full of high-end defensive talent, the Jets might be able to instantly fix up a unit that ranked at or near the bottom in just about every category that matters.

This 2-round NFL Mock Draft might contain all the Jets need to get up off the mat and slowly work their way back toward contention.

2-round NFL Mock Draft as Jets miss out on Dante Moore

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

It seems like the Jets will be picking between either Reese, Ohio State teammate and star safety Caleb Downs, or Miami's Reuben Bain as they try to find a new defensive cornerstone. While Bain is a high-floor disruptor and Downs is a no-brainer starter, Reese's versatility makes him a truly unique player.

Reese has a good chunk of snaps as both a speed rusher on the edge and inside linebacker, and he has looked elite at both. It remains to be seen what Reese's pro role will be, but his boundless athleticism and technical refinement make him seem like an immediate starter and game-changer for Glenn.

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

While I tried hard to leave wide receiver until the second round due to the expected continued development of Adonai Mitchell, Lemon's rise as a dynamic playmaker has been too hot to ignore. As a dynamic slot receiver, he and Garrett Wilson could make magic next to one another.

Round 2, Pick 33: Dillon Thieneman, SAF, Oregon

The Jets may trade this pick to move down in the order, but Thieneman is a starting-caliber safety who generates turnovers and is a well-above-average tackler for the position. Both Thienman and Malachi Moore could be long-term starters at the safety position.

Round 2, Pick 44: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

Of the Day 2 options, Nussmeier may be the best of the bunch. After playing through an ab injury for most of the season, Nussmeier can show the Jets he is worth developing in 2026 and beyond by flexing his combination of arm talent, pre-snap processing, and accuracy on intermediate throws.