Jets trade up and snag an electric chess piece in recent 7-round mock draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is just days away, and the picture is starting to become clearer regarding who the New York Jets may be picking and who they could be targeting.

The Arvell Reese and David Bailey debate rages on, yes, but the New York Giants may have just jumped the line for a wide receiver with the Dexter Lawrence trade. They now hold picks No. 5 and No. 10.

If the Jets want one of the draft's top wide receivers, they may have no choice but to make a trade to get back into the top 10, and ahead of teams like the Giants, Miami Dolphins, and Los Angeles Rams.

Jets 7-round mock draft features trade with Commanders for No. 7 overall

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

On Thursday night, either Reese or Bailey will be wearing the Green & White, and despite the chatter around the Jets' interest in Bailey, Reese still feels like the obvious choice. Even if the Ohio State star isn't as effective a pass rusher as Bailey is right now, he can still play some off-ball linebacker in his rookie season and be an incredibly impactful player.

With a massive hole at wide receiver to fill, the Jets pull the trigger on a trade with the Washington Commanders to move up to No. 7 overall.

Round 1, Pick 7: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

With their new first-round selection, the Jets nab Jordyn Tyson, with Carnell Tate already off the board. Tyson may be the most boom-or-bust prospect in the entire 2026 draft class, given his explosive playmaking ability and lengthy injury history. He could be the best wide receiver in the class, but he has to stay healthy.

Round 2, Pick 33: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

SNY's Connor Hughes told Jets fans last week to keep an eye on Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood as a potential target with the 16th overall pick. In this mock draft, he slides out of the first round and right into the Jets' lap at No. 33. Hood has the opportunity to compete for a starting job right away among the likes of Nahshon Wright and Azareye'h Thomas.

Round 4, Pick 103: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State

The Jets have done a good job overhauling their defensive line room this offseason, adding T'Vondre Sweat and David Onyemata in the mix to complement Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs. But New York needs a younger face to add to the mix, and they get one here with 6-foot-5, 337-pound Darrell Jackson Jr. He could play a rotational role while he develops his craft.

Round 4, Pick 140: Jalen Farmer, G, Kentucky

Offensive line isn't a major need for the Jets, but they could use a guard waiting in the wings behind Dylan Parham. By grabbing Jalen Farmer here in the fourth round, New York gets a hopeful future starter in Pro Football Focus's 93rd-best guard in college football. He can take his rookie season to polish his technique while he learns behind some seasoned veterans.

Round 5, Pick 179: Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas

The Jets still need to find themselves a veteran backup behind Geno Smith, but they can also take a swing on Day 3 at a quarterback who has a chance of developing into something. The college passer with the most athletic upside in the incoming class? Arkansas's Taylen Green. He's fast, has a massive arm, and stands at 6-foot-6. He's not ready to play yet, but his traits and qualities are worth developing.

Round 7, Pick 228: Devan Boykin, S, Indiana

Another position the Jets did a good job of overhauling this offseason was safety. But both Dane Belton and Andre Cisco are on one-year deals, and the Jets could use a long-term plan in place. Enter Indiana's Devan Boykin. The Hoosier was one of college football's best safeties last season, earning a 93.9 run defense grade and 86.7 coverage grade according to Pro Football Focus, ranking first and 13th, respectively.

Round 7, Pick 242: Romello Brinson, WR, SMU

Despite grabbing Jordyn Tyson in the first round, the Jets need more than that at wide receiver. They should find at least two new faces in the 2026 NFL Draft, considering they've yet to add one in free agency. Romello Brinson is a fine dart throw here in the seventh round, and could have the chance to refine his route-running while he learns behind Garrett Wilson, Tyson, Adonai Mitchell, and, hopefully, a veteran New York adds after the draft.

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