Oregon quarterback Dante Moore announced his intention to return to the Ducks for the 2026 season. The New York Jets must now pivot. The overwhelming expectation was that the Jets would have selected Moore with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
It's unfortunate for the Jets, who enter the offseason without an answer at quarterback. They're expected to release Justin Fields from his contract. The aging Tyrod Taylor is a pending free agent and isn't a long-term solution if re-signed.
There is not a quarterback prospect worth drafting at No. 2 overall, assuming Fernando Mendoza goes No. 1 to the Las Vegas Raiders. If the Jets want to acquire a QB via the draft, they'll have to consider alternative options, either with the 16th pick or via the middle rounds. For now, we've identified the Jets' three best pivots with the second overall selection.
Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
Arvell Reese will be the subject of a positional debate throughout the pre-draft process. At times, the Ohio State defender looked capable of being the next Micah Parsons or Abdul Carter, an off-ball linebacker who can make a transition to full-time edge rusher. As the season progressed, defensive coordinator Matt Patricia offered him fewer opportunities to rush the passer, playing him in a see-ball, chase-ball role.
Reese triggers downhill with elite ability. He's incredibly physical at the point of attack, routinely overwhelming targets who outweigh him. This Jets defense is a true from-the-ground-up rebuild. Moore's decision to return to school could mean the Jets pivot to the best front-seven defender in the class.
Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
A safety at No. 2 overall? That would typically be a non-starter, but the Jets are in a unique position. Caleb Downs is the best prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. With a lack of clear-cut talent at premium positions at the top, Downs would be a justifiable selection in the context of this draft.
The Jets' defense does not possess a single blue-chip player. Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn must completely revamp the state of their defense this offseason. Downs could have a Jamal Adams-like impact as the clear leader and chief communicator. Downs would organize and command the entire unit while playing a near-the-line-of-scrimmage role.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
A running back at No. 2 may be considered more blasphemy than a safety. Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love is a top-three prospect in the class and is arguably the best overall player. If Saquon Barkley and Ashton Jeanty are worthy of top-six overall selections, Love can go top-two in a lackluster draft class.
Jets running back Breece Hall is a pending free agent. The best area of the Jets' roster is undeniably their offensive line, where Armand Membou, Joe Tippmann, and Olu Fashanu are ascending building blocks. Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand will almost certainly take a run-heavy approach on offense following the Moore news. Love would be the focal point.
