Just under two weeks away, the lives of 257 young men are about to change. In the heart of the Steel City, all eyes are on Pittsburgh as the 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner. An opportunity to introduce 32 teams to fresh faces who they hope can help their roster. As of now, all signs point to Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza to become the next quarterback of the Las Vegas Raiders. As a result, all attention turns to what the New York Jets will do at second overall.
Thus far, general manager Darren Mougey has taken a first-hand approach to address the defense. With less than two weeks until the big day, it’s a two-man race to see who will play at MetLife Stadium this fall. Will the reigning sacks leader of the NCAA, David Bailey of Texas Tech, join the defense? Or, will the versatile linebacker (soon to be edge rusher) Arvell Reese bring his big game experience to help? But what about New York’s eight other picks? Their needs also include wide receiver, cornerback, linebacker, offensive guard, and backup quarterback. Let’s examine this year’s class and see who can help.
NY Jets 7-Round Mock Draft: Team Adds Champion Pedigree
First Round, Second Overall: Arvell Reese, edge rusher/linebacker, Ohio State
Owning the second overall pick, New York can afford to gamble on upside. After Darren Mougey loaded up in both the linebacker room and on the defensive line, the depth on defense allows New York to feel comfortable taking on a project. At Ohio State, Arvell Reese became a focal point for the Buckeyes defense. Utilized as both an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker, the Big Ten linebacker of the year was a force in the run game. While he was most productive at weakside linebacker, there’s optimism that he can develop into a full-time edge. While he’d need to add size at only 241 lbs, New York can be patient with his development. Fortunately, New York added respected defensive line coach Karl Dunbar from the Steelers, who can aid in his transition.
First Round, 16th Overall: Jermod McCoy, cornerback, Tennessee
Multiple mock drafts project New York to leave the first round with a wide receiver. While it would be a great boost to the offense, the second-highest scoring defense still needs help. With Brandon Stephens out of guaranteed money after this year and Nahshon Wright signed for only one year, cornerback remains a long-term need. As a result, New York takes a shot on a recovered Jermod McCoy.
Despite missing this season with a torn ACL, McCoy’s 2024 tape shows the promise of a future shutdown cornerback. A 4.37 40-yard dash should ease concerns about a lack of explosiveness post-injury. McCoy’s ball tracking and route recognition were impressive at only 19 years old. His three interceptions alone would have been helpful in the Jets secondary this season. Allowing McCoy to work with an ex-cornerback as his head coach, Jermod can thrive under Aaron Glenn’s mentoring.
Second Round, 33rd overall: Omar Cooper Jr., wide receiver, Indiana
After using their first round picks on defense, New York finally adds to their offense to start day two of the draft. After falling out of the first round, New York gets great value for wide receiver Omar Cooper with the 33rd overall pick. Cooper’s ball skills and natural feel in soft spots in zone coverage allowed him to be one of the best slot receivers in college last year. His 13 touchdown receptions played a significant role in Fernando Mendoza’s ascension. After capturing a National Championship at Indiana, Cooper’s strong Combine performance proved his speed can play at the next level. Working with two experienced minds, between offensive coordinator Frank Reich and starting quarterback Geno Smith, Cooper can be helpful in New York.
Second Round, 44th overall: Jacob Rodriguez, linebacker, Texas Tech
After using their last pick on offense, New York once again circles back to defense. This time, New York finds a young linebacker with great leadership traits to learn under veteran Demario Davis. Few linebackers possess the field recognition that Texas Tech Jacob Rodriguez has displayed. A former high school quarterback, Rodriguez is an active communicator and reads routes accurately. Along with lateral burst and one of the best verticals of the combine, Rodriguez has the traits to develop into a three-down starter with Pro Bowl upside.
Fourth Round, 103rd overall: Billy Schrauth, offensive guard, Notre Dame
After adding a wide receiver, the Jets look to help their offensive line. While a knee injury ended his season after eight games, Billy Schrauth was a crucial part of the Notre Dame offensive line. With experience at both left and right guard, Schrauth can develop behind Dylan Parham as the team’s left guard of the future.
Fourth Round, 140th overall: Drew Allar, quarterback, Penn State
Entering the NFL Draft, the Jets have yet to find a backup quarterback behind Geno Smith. As a result, New York takes a gamble on Penn State quarterback Drew Allar. After the 2024 season, Allar was a projected first-round pick, but an ankle injury in October ended his season prematurely. While he has mechanical issues and processing to work on, the physical traits outweigh the negatives. Working with an offensive coordinator like Frank Reich and reuniting with former left tackle Olu Fashanu should help Allar’s progression.
Fifth Round, 179th overall: Sam Roush, tight end, Stanford
Trying to round out the offense, the Jets decide to reunite Frank Reich with a familiar face. After becoming the head coach at Stanford last year, Reich got a first-hand look at tight end Sam Roush. The nephew of the great Merlin Olsen, Roush has great size at 6’6″ and 267 lbs. Adding Roush to a tight end room that features Mason Taylor and Jeremy Ruckert gives the Jets a versatile trio at the position.
Seventh Round, 228th overall: Pat Coogan, center, Indiana
While Josh Myers performed admirably in his duties as the starting center, New York should still look to find a long-term answer at the position. Indiana’s Pat Coogan turned heads in January, winning Rose Bowl MVP after Indiana beat Alabama. Within the a-gap, Coogan controls running lanes and holds his own against interior pass rush.
Seventh Round, 242nd overall: Brandon Cleveland, defensive tackle, North Carolina State
Rounding out the mock draft, the Jets add to their defensive line. A full-time starter for the Wolfpack, Cleveland did well to fill the gaps and get into the backfield. Rotating him between T’Vondre Sweat, Jowon Briggs, and Harrison Phillips, New York can add Cleveland for depth in their rotation.
Main Photo: [Jerome Miron] – Imagn Images
