Jets urged to address a sneaky defensive need heading into 2026 NFL Draft

The New York Jets did their best to overhaul the defense this offseason, bringing in new faces at just about every position on one of the worst units in football last year.

Defensive backs got a facelift, with the additions of Minkah Fitzpatrick and Nahshon Wright. Demario Davis was brought in to stabilize the middle of the defense, and the defensive line arguably saw the most changes of all, with multiple new pass rushers and some new interior linemen.

Out was Jermaine Johnson, in was T'Vondre Sweat in late February. David Onyemata is a great veteran addition and should play a key role in a rotation featuring Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs.

But despite all the additions, there are still long-term concerns about the interior defensive line. Some of those guys, while talented, are old and won't be productive forever. The Jets need to start planning ahead and finding potential replacements now.

Jets told to attack the defensive line in 2026 NFL Draft

Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine urged the Jets to be proactive with their defensive line by adding to it in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he named three prospects who could be a fit. Auburn's Keldric Faulk, Ohio State's Kayden McDonald, and Alabama's LT Overton would be the perfect additions, he claims.

"Keldric Faulk and Kayden McDonald could be surprising targets with either the 16th or 33rd overall pick. LT Overton could wind up being a steal. He has slowly fallen down the big board since the beginning of the college football season, but there's still solid traits to work with and he lined up all over the defensive line at Alabama."

Alex Ballentine

With all three of Phillips, Briggs, and Onyemata scheduled to be unrestricted free agents in 2027, New York needs to add someone alongside Sweat who can be a staple for years to come.

Faulk was a disruptive force at Auburn this past season and generated 30 pressures, two sacks, and 27 hurries. He may not be worth a first-round pick, but either of New York's second-rounders would be solid.

McDonald was one of the best interior defensive linemen in college football this past season, grading out as the eighth-best out of 887 qualified players according to Pro Football Focus. Similar to Faulk, a second-round pick would be a worthy investment in his services.

Overton has all the traits you want in a defensive lineman. He's 6-foot-5, 278 pounds, and had five sacks in 2025. But he didn't live up to expectations this past season, and may be available later in Day 2 or early Day 3.

The Jets should certainly take a swing at a defensive lineman in the draft. Planning for the future is a necessity, despite both Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey feeling the warmth of their seats heading into 2026.