Jets mock draft lands four Day 1 starters in new post-free agency mock draft

The New York Jets were one of the youngest teams in the NFL last season, but it didn't necessarily lead to a ton of success. In free agency, Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey were on a mission to land veteran players who would improve the floor of the team.

Of course, the games need to be played, but it's safe to say the Jets' braintrust got the experience and talent they were looking for in free agency with the acquisitions of Minkah Fitzpatrick, Demario Davis, and David Onyemata.

Despite the veteran additions, the Jets are still primed to add even more young talent in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft with their four picks in the top 44. FanSided's Cody Williams' recent three-round mock draft has New York landing four starters with those selections.

FanSided's Cody Williams mock draft a homerun for the Jets

In a pick that feels almost as sure as Fernando Mendoza going No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, Williams has the Jets selecting Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the No. 2 pick.

"We're almost at a point where I just can't imagine the Jets going in another direction besides taking the best player on the board, Arvell Reese, in this spot. You can talk yourself into a variety of outcomes, but the Jets offseason has been so defense-heavy, that I have a hard time believe the top of the draft won't follow suit. Despite a low public opinion rating right now, I do believe Aaron Glenn has the tools as a defensive-minded head coach to get it right with Reese."

Cody Williams

Despite additions to the defensive end position in free agency with Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare, the Jets are still lacking true star power off the edge. Reese could be that star.

His physical abilities popped big time at the NFL Scouting Combine, and ensured that he'll at minimum be a top-five pick in the upcoming draft. If it's not Reese, the Jets are certain to at least get Texas Tech's David Bailey or Miami's Rueben Bain Jr.

At No. 16, Williams has the Jets addressing their cornerback room, selecting Tennessee's Jermod McCoy, ironically, adding a defensive back with the pick they received in the Sauce Gardner trade.

"You have to believe that Aaron Glenn has had a massive say in the Jets offseason with all of the work that's been done on defense. And while I still expect more help to come offensively for a returning Geno Smith, I think the defense continues to be built early. Jermod McCoy is a bit of a concern with injuries, but the talent is real. His 2024 season was among the best corners in the country, and if the bill of health looks good, he's put more than enough on tape to bet on."

Cody Williams

The Jets have already added a cornerback this offseason in former Chicago Bear Nahshon Wright, despite investing a third-round pick in Azareye'h Thomas last April. If the Jets still aren't fully satisfied at corner, adding McCoy could give them even more competition in the room deciding on who will start opposite Brandon Stephens.

He didn't play in 2025 due to injury, but over his two-year collegiate career, he hauled in six interceptions, and could certainly play a role in snapping the Jets' mind-boggling pick drought. His latent talent could make him an immediate starter in New York.

Moving onto the second round, Williams has the Jets addressing wide receiver with Washington's Denzel Boston at pick No. 33.

New York has yet to address the position so far in free agency, but they're expected to add at least one veteran at some point. Even still, finding a young weapon in the draft is a necessity, and Boston would be a great pickup here.

The Junior impressed in 2025 with 62 receptions, 881 yards, and 11 touchdowns in 11 games. He would certainly be a welcome addition to a Jets wide receiver group lacking any young talent outside of Garrett Wilson.

With the 44th overall pick, Williams has the Jets targeting the interior of their offensive line with Texas A&M guard Chase Bisonitis.

After Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson left in free agency, New York pivoted to former Raiders guard Dylan Parham, inking him to a two-year, $20 million deal. After the contract details came out, though, it's clear the Jets view him as a one-year stopgap and need a long-term option opposite Joe Tippmann.

Enter, Bisonitis. The Ramsey, New Jersey native could immediately compete for starting time ahead of Parham, and maybe even push him to center, usurping Josh Myers and creating a rock-steady offensive line in front of Geno Smith.