Jets mock draft has them wheeling and dealing throughout the first round

When it comes to the NFL Draft, most fans are typically open to the idea of trading back. You acquire more draft capital and, in turn, more lottery tickets to help build out a roster.

In the New York Jets case, most fans would likely be willing to move back in the 2026 NFL Draft. There's no clear quarterback for the team to take at No. 2, and while the top edge rushers all seem like great options, it's not like there's a generational player among the bunch.

In a new mock draft from A to Z Sports, Ryan Roberts has the Jets trading back from No. 2, and No. 16 turning two picks multiple, including an extra first-round pick in 2027.

Jets mock draft features massive trade back, landing multiple picks for both No. 2 and No. 16

In Roberts' mock, he has the Jets kicking things off with a massive trade, shipping the No. 2 pick to the Washington Commanders for the No. 7 pick, two thirds, and their 2027 first-round pick.

This trade would do wonders for the Jets, supplying them with a third-round pick that they don't currently have, and landing an extra first in the uber-talented 2027 draft class.

While the trade is great, where I start to disagree with Roberts' mock is his pick at No. 7, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.

"With the trade back and the acquisition of some high-level draft capital, the Jets have the chance to take the best player available. With Breece Hall most likely heading elsewhere, adding a dynamic weapon like Love would make a lot of sense. His ability in the run and pass game makes Love a big-play threat on every single down."

Ryan Roberts

While Roberts includes the caveat that this pick makes sense if Breece Hall and the Jets split ahead of free agency, using the No. 7 pick on a running back ignores the other glaring needs across New York's roster.

Love is a great player, don't get me wrong. He was a Heisman finalist for a reason. But in a world where the Jets are in desperate need of another wide receiver, a blue-chip addition to their defensive front, or maybe even Caleb Downs if he's still available in this hypothetical draft, Love is a misallocation of resources.

Instead of making a pick at No. 16, Roberts has the Jets making another trade, this time with the Houston Texans.

This deal is less impactful than the first, but still nets the Jets an extra second-round pick, bringing their grand total up to three in 2026.

Now selecting at No. 28, Roberts has New York selecting Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, filling a major need for the Jets defense.

"At 6-3 and 326 pounds, McDonald is a massive interior presence for a prospective defense. He is an extremely difficult player to move at the point of attack. McDonald’s sheer presence makes everyone around him better, even if he never becomes a major asset as a pass rusher."

Ryan Roberts

After trading away Quinnen Williams at last year's trade deadline, the Jets desperately need to add a body on the interior of their defensive line. McDonald is the ideal space-eater to add to the rotation of Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs, and projects as a long-term replacement for Phillips. He would, at minimum, instantly raise the floor of the Jets' porous run defense.

With New York's three selections in Round 2, Roberts has the Jets filling significant holes across the roster, including Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell at No. 33, Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood at No. 38, and Texas A&M edge Cashius Howell at No. 44.

In the third round, the Jets find a hopeful solution to their backend problem, selecting Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley. With Andre Cisco and Tony Adams set to depart in free agency, New York needs someone to pair with Malachi Moore. They find one here with Wheatley.

With the last pick of note, the Jets take a dart-throw at quarterback in the fifth round, grabbing Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik with No. 175. Klubnik was once thought to be a top prospect, but after a disappointing collegiate career, has fallen down draft boards.

"Klubnik didn’t take the leap that many hoped he would in 2025, but he still brings an interesting baseline of athleticism, arm talent, and experience. Even if he doesn’t ever develop into a starter on the NFL level, he still brings an interesting skill set to become a good backup. At this point in the draft, that is a very solid dart throw."

Ryan Roberts

All in all, I don't think anyone would be opposed to the Jets moving up and down the board the way they do in this mock draft. Landing an extra first-round pick in 2027 would be invaluable, giving them the flexibility to land their quarterback of choice in a much better class.

Other than that, it's unlikely that any Jets fan wants to see them coming away with a running back with one of their first-round picks in 2026.