Nightmare Jets 2026 NFL mock draft could be a huge miss for Darren Mougey

It appears as though the New York Jets are going to land a fantastic pass rusher in either Ohio State's Arvell Reese or Texas Tech's David Bailey with the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but things could get more complicated once that selection is made.

The Jets not only need to figure out the best way to use all of their top picks in a way that sets themselves up for success in the future, but they also must hope that their rivals in the AFC East don't do the same. The Miami Dolphins can't get up off the mat, and the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots both need to avoid becoming too good for the Jets to eventually overtake.

This 2026 NFL mock draft would be the worst-case scenario for the Jets, as it could make even a day that ends with either Reese or Bailey coming to town look less impressive when compared to the rest of their division.

Nightmare New York Jets 2026 NFL mock draft

Dolphins draft Carnell Tate at No. 11

Tate would be the perfect physical receiver for Miami to jump-start its offensive rebuild. To make matters even worse, a dream target at No. 16 that would be worth trading up for would be taken off the board right in front of their eyes.

Jets move up from No. 16 for Ty Simpson

Picking Simpson at No. 16 and surrounding him with three first-round picks in 2027 is a very attractive proposition, but if they move up because they're scared by teams like the Los Angeles Rams possibly trying to snatch him up, that may seem like a reach based on his overall quality as a prospect. It would also prevent them from dipping into the 2027 class.

Bills trade up for Jordyn Tyson

Tyson is starting to slip due to concerns about his medicals, and if the Bills are cavalier enough to move up even further in the order to pair him with DJ Moore and Khalil Shakir, even an improved Jets defense is going to have a very difficult time trying to slow down Buffalo.

Patriots trade No. 31 for AJ Brown

While the Jets could stomach New England using this pick on a new right tackle or a pass-catcher following the release of Stefon Diggs, strong-arming Howie Roseman into giving up Brown for cheap, the Patriots will lock in their spot atop the division for years to come.