Jets insider names potential draft target at No. 16 in case of emergency

Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Jets have a few clear and obvious holes that they seem likely to address. Chief among them may be wide receiver.

New York is crossing their fingers that one of the big three prospects makes their way to pick No. 16. Any of Ohio State's Carnell Tate, Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson, or USC's Makai Lemon would be a home run pick, but there's a real chance none of them will be available.

What do the Jets do if they aren't comfortable reaching for one of the other prospects like Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. or Washington's Denzel Boston?

SNY's Connor Hughes revealed the team's most likely pivot, and it may be a position you wouldn't expect them to target in the first round.

Connor Hughes says Jets could look at Tennessee CB Colton Hood at No. 16

Hughes reported that if the top three wide receivers are off the board by the time the Jets come on the clock, they could wait until No. 33, or trade up into the backend of the first round to land the next best prospect.

In that scenario, he would expect New York to target Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood, adding a potential starter to the secondary.

"Would keep an eye on CB Colton Hood in this scenario. He’s rising up boards and fits the Aaron Glenn DB mold perfectly."

Connor Hughes

Cornerback is a sneaky need for the Jets, though not necessarily a pressing one. After trading away Sauce Gardner last season, they have a distinct lack of star power and could use an injection of high-end talent.

Brandon Stephens is serviceable, but can be released next season for $8 million in cap savings. 2025 third-round pick Azareye'h Thomas flashed at times last season, but not enough to be counted on as a full-time starter.

Nahshon Wright was added in free agency and was a Pro Bowler last season with the Chicago Bears, but there's a real chance he's a one-year wonder, hence the one-year $5.5 million deal he earned on the open market.

Enter Hood, Pro Football Focus's 89th-ranked cornerback last season among 897 qualified players. The 6-foot, 195-pound DB broke up five passes and hauled in a single interception last season.

The redshirt sophomore could be the Week 1 starter the Jets are looking for across from Stephens, especially if there's an early run on wide receivers in the first round.

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