Recent Jets' NFL Combine mock draft completely forgets offense exists

The New York Jets had arguably one of the worst defenses in recent memory last season.

They gave up an average of 355.6 yards per game to opponents, and according to Sumer Sports' EPA per play, they were the 30th-ranked defense ahead of only the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders.

And you may have heard they went a full 17-game season without recording a single interception, something that's never happened in modern NFL history.

It makes sense why Fansided's Cody Williams decided to go all defense with the Jets' first four picks in his most recent mock draft heading into the NFL Scouting combine. They could certainly use the talent, especially after losing blue-chip players at last season's trade deadline.

Jets all-defense mock draft may just turn the unit around in 2026

With the No. 2 overall pick, Williams has the Jets grab Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., arguably the best player on one of the nation's best defenses in 2025.

"The more I think about it, the more I can't ignore the fact that the Jets' roster is so barren, that they simply can't ignore who I feel is the surest bet on the board. I don't care that Rueben Bain Jr.'s arms are shorter than the prototype on the edge. That didn't stop him from consistently wreaking havoc against every offensive line he and Miami were up against. I see the goods of a franchise cornerstone pass-rusher, and New York can't pass that up."

Cody Williams

The Jets didn't get after opposing quarterbacks enough last year. They recorded only 26 sacks last season, second-worst in the entire league. Will McDonald IV and Jermaine Johnson II are solid players, but it's obvious they're better suited as complementary players.

Bain could be the star to ignite New York's pass rush and would be a massive presence on the edge for the Jets.

With New York's second first-round pick, Williams has the Jets selecting Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell, getting back some first-round talent in the secondary that they lost in 2025.

"It's just too poetic for the Jets to get to the selection owed to them by the Colts for the Sauce Gardner trade, and for New York to target his ostensible replacement. Avieon Terrell is a terrific player, despite being a bit thin, something that will worry teams when it comes to translating to the NFL. But he was still a plus run defender at Clemson, while also being both versatile and effective when dropping into coverage. He's an immediate upgrade to New York's DB room."

Cody Williams

Terrell, the brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, would certainly be a solid addition to the Jets' secondary. As it stands now, Brandon Stephens is set to be New York's starting cornerback across from second-year player Azareye'h Thomas.

Stephens had an up-and-down season following a controversial free agent contract, but was solid overall throughout the season. Thomas had flashes, including going five straight games with a pass breakup, but his season-ending shoulder injury could be a hindrance heading into his sophomore season in the NFL.

If there's something the Jets know about Thomas' injury and the depth of its seriousness, the Terrell pick makes a lot of sense. Otherwise, they could wait on cornerback until later in the draft.

At the top of the second round, Williams has the Jets picking Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks with the No. 33 overall pick.

After trading away Quinnen Williams last year, the Jets need to do everything they can to add more big bodies to their interior defensive line. Even before the Williams deal, New York had one of the league's worst run defenses, giving up 139.5 rushing yards per game to opposing teams.

Banks would help remedy that poor run defense, and would be a nice addition to the Jets' defensive line rotation with Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs.

With the Jets' next pick, Williams has New York adding to their linebacker room with Cincinnati's Jake Golday.

With Quincy Williams set to leave in free agency, the Jets could use another linebacker to develop, especially considering Jamien Sherwood's struggles last season. New York is expected to pursue a veteran linebacker in free agency, perhaps the Detroit Lions' Alex Anzalone.

But they should still add one, at least as a developmental project for the future. Golday provides a high-upside option here in the middle of the second round.