The New York Jets suffered through a disastrous season in 2025, finishing 3-14 in Aaron Glenn’s debut campaign as head coach. The Jets were big-time sellers at the NFL trade deadline, sending Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams away for draft picks. The rebuild starts with the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Jets own 11 total selections, including four top-50 picks. Improving the overall roster should take center stage after losing the Fernando Mendoza sweepstakes in a one-quarterback draft. We’ve conducted a Jets seven-round mock draft using our Mock Draft Machine.
Round 1 (No. 2 overall): Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
The Jets need a physical tone-setter on defense. They are essentially starting from scratch on that side of the ball with Glenn taking over play-calling duties and with new coordinator Brian Duker in place. Whether Arvell Reese plays off-ball linebacker, EDGE, or a hybrid combination, he's the most impressive overall defensive prospect in the class.
Round 1 (No. 16 overall): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Trading Gardner opened up a long-term hole at cornerback. It must be addressed by general manager Darren Mougey this offseason. LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane was the best player at his position in college football this season. Delane is a physical and athletic cover-man who thrives in man coverage.
Round 2 (No. 33 overall): Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
From filling one spot created by a trade to another, sending Williams to the Cowboys opened a void at defensive tackle. The Jets have some good run stoppers at the interior position, but a better pass rusher is needed. Caleb Banks performed like a fringe first-rounder at the Senior Bowl, so taking advantage of his potential availability at No. 33 makes sense. Banks pairs outstanding length with first-step explosiveness.
Round 2 (No. 44 overall): Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
The NCAA denied Trinidad Chambliss' petition for a sixth season of eligibility, according to multiple reports. Though there's an appeal process, the decision could force Chambliss to enter the 2026 NFL Draft. If so, the Jets would be wise to target a quarterback with his upside with one of their four top 50 picks.
Round 4 (No. 103 overall): Max Llewellyn, EDGE, Iowa
Jermaine Johnson II is entering a contract year and could be a subject of offseason trade rumors. Better depth is needed at EDGE, with Will McDonald IV also struggling to make an every-down impact. Iowa defensive end Max Llewellyn is a high-effort defender who plays with sound fundamentals.
Round 5 (No. 175 overall): Trey Zuhn III, IOL, Texas A&M
The Jets should re-sign pending free-agent guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, but it's complicated given his injury history. Drafting an offensive lineman you can stash and restock the cupboard with should be a yearly occurrence for every NFL franchise. Texas A&M's Trey Zuhn III played tackle in college, but he's transitioning inside. Zuhn plays through the whistle and he has starting upside at guard/center.
Round 5 (No. 178 overall): Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin
The Jets' cornerback room is bad enough to warrant a double down. Stephen F. Austin's Charles Demmings displayed a highly competitive skill set in Mobile. The first Lumberjacks player in Senior Bowl history, Demmings is physical with a short-term memory. He fights through every rep.
Round 6 (No. 193 overall): Jaydn Ott, RB, Oklahoma
Jaydn Ott once had a dynamic season at Cal, rushing for 1,305 yards in 2023. Inconsistencies derailed his 2024 and 2025 seasons, but he occasionally looked like his former self at the Senior Bowl. With Breece Hall slated for free agency, the Jets may need a ball carrier to pair with Braelon Allen.
Round 6 (No. 207 overall): Vinny Anthony II, WR, Wisconsin
The Jets' need at wide receiver isn't as big as it once was following their midseason acquisitions of John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell. Still, a late-round dart throw can't hurt. Wisconsin's Vinny Anthony II made a few eye-popping plays in Mobile, plus he has special teams upside.
Round 7 (No. 218 overall): Jeffery M’Ba, DT, SMU
The Jets got a firsthand look at SMU defensive tackle Jeffrey M'Ba in Mobile. M'Ba had a career-best year in 2025 after previously playing at Auburn, Independence Community College, and Purdue. He'd add size and toughness to Glenn's defensive line.
Round 7 (No. 242 overall): Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
A third cornerback? Yes, the Jets are essentially a blank slate. Oregon's Jadon Canady was an East-West Shrine standout. Canady was locking receivers down during one-on-one drills.
