With a myriad of needs and four picks in the first two rounds, the 2026 NFL Draft is a monumental one for the New York Jets. Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn must upgrade the talent on the roster. Let’s take a look at this mock draft for the Jets, using PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator.
Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Round 1, Pick 2
The Jets need a game wrecker up front on defense. Arvell Reese of Ohio State is arguably the best prospect in the entire draft. As a 20-year-old with only one year of starting experience, Reese possesses sky-high potential. At 6’4″, 243 pounds, Reese is physically gifted with speed, power, and strength. His traits allow him to make plays in space.
Reese has the versatility to play off the ball at linebacker and along the defensive front, whether it be on the edge or standing up from an interior alignment. In 2025, he had 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Reese has the potential to be a dominant force for the Jets’ defense.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Round 1, Pick 16
The Jets’ offense needs a pass-catcher opposite Garrett Wilson. Insert Biletnikoff winner Makai Lemon out of USC. Lemon had a phenomenal 2025 season in which he recorded 79 catches, 1,156 yards (14.6 per catch), and 11 touchdowns. As a draft prospect, Lemon is an elite route runner with quickness and reliable hands.
Despite being a smaller wide receiver at 5’11”, 195 pounds, Lemon wins in contested catch situations thanks to his spectacular concentration, body control, and play strength. He displays his toughness and competitiveness as a run blocker. Lemon has the ability to bring a lot of excitement to the Jets’ offense.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Round 2, Pick 33
After giving up 139.5 rushing yards a game last season, the Jets need to address their run defense. Kayden McDonald is one of, if not the best, pure run-stuffing nose tackles in the 2026 NFL Draft. Listed at 6’3″, 326 pounds, McDonald has a massive frame. He is hard to move. This past season, he recorded nine tackles for loss.
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McDonald is a young 20-year-old prospect. He can provide the Jets with the strong presence that they need in the middle of their defensive line.
A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
Round 2, Pick 44
A.J. Haulcy transferred to LSU in 2025 and enjoyed plenty of success. He wrapped up the year earning first-team All-American and first-team All-SEC honors. Haulcy is a physical presence gifted with size for a safety, listed at 6-foot, 222 pounds. The Jets’ defense did not record one interception last season. Over the past two seasons in college, Haulcy had eight interceptions.
Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
Round 4, Pick 103
Max Klare is a talented pass-catching tight end prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. His production from 2025 may not jump out, concluding with 43 catches, 448 yards (10.4 per catch), and 2 touchdowns. However, his role was limited, being in the same offense as Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. In the one game that Smith and Tate missed, Klare had seven receptions, 105 yards, and a touchdown.
Klare’s production on a one-win Purdue team in 2024 was impressive, as he finished with 51 catches, 685 yards (13.4 per catch), and four touchdowns. Klare is listed at 6’5″, 243 pounds. He is known for his explosion, route running, and hands.
James Brockermeyer, OC, Miami (FL)
Round 5, Pick 175
James Brockermeyer is an experienced center prospect. Over the last three seasons, he started 42 games. In 2025, he was awarded first-team All-American honors. The Jets’ offensive line could use some depth. Brockermeyer can provide that early on and has a chance to develop into a starter.
Jack Strand, QB, MSU Moorhead
Round 5, Pick 178
The Jets take a late-round flier on an immensely gifted quarterback prospect. Jack Strand, out of Minnesota State Moorhead, is a 6’5″, 240-pound signal-caller with a big arm and athleticism. He is coming off a year in which he threw for 3,546 yards and 42 touchdowns. Strand also ran for 288 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Coming from a small school will be an adjustment, but the traits are there for Strand to potentially develop into a backup.
Mikail Kamara, EDGE, Indiana
Round 7, Pick 238
Mikail Kamara spent his six years of college playing for Curt Cignetti. He joined James Madison in 2020, where he spent four years. In 2024, Kamara was one of the many players to transfer from James Madison to Indiana with Cignetti. Kamara had his best statistical year in 2024, when he recorded 10 sacks. He could provide some pass rush depth and contribute on special teams.
DeVonta Smith, CB, Notre Dame
Round 7, Pick 242
The Jets add a slot cornerback to end this mock draft. DeVonta Smith spent his first four years of college at Alabama before he joined Notre Dame in 2025. Physically, Smith is listed at 5’11”, 195 pounds. Over the past two seasons, he recorded 16 starts. He had five passes defended in 2024 and three in 2025.
