The New York Jets’ strategy in the 2026 NFL Draft remains uncertain. Though Ty Simpson was initially considered an option for them, recent developments indicate the team may now be evaluating other options for their first-round pick.
Drew Allar Could Be Drafted By The New York Jets Over Ty Simpson
According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the Jets are monitoring Drew Allar, who recently held a private workout at the team’s facilities. The Penn State quarterback is notable for his physicality, as he was measured at 6’5″ and 228 pounds at the Combine and showed impressive arm strength during his college career.
Allar has the classic profile of a young NFL prospect, with the potential to be developed and improve while not having to take the starting role right away. On the other hand, selecting Simpson would represent a different strategy, as he is viewed as a quarterback expected to start from the beginning of next season.
Cimini predicted that the Jets could draft a quarterback in the fourth-round of the draft. “Keep an eye on Drew Allar (Penn State), who recently had a private workout at the Jets’ facility,” Cimini wrote. “He’s a developmental prospect with great size (6-foot-5, 228 pounds) and arm strength. Of course, this becomes moot if they pick Ty Simpson (Alabama) at Nos. 16 or 33.”
In addition to their quarterback considerations, the Jets hold three picks among the top 33 in the NFL Draft. However, a separate ESPN projection suggests that none of the three players selected will be quarterbacks, given the team’s need to bolster its wide receiver corps. One of the names most frequently mentioned is Omar Cooper Jr., who would be the ideal second-string wide receiver to play alongside Garrett Wilson.
According to PFSN’s WR Impact Metric, Wilson finished last season as the 63rd-ranked wideout in the league. He was limited to just seven games due to a knee injury, and the Jets will be looking to add another playmaker alongside him. This increases the likelihood that the AFC East team will target Cooper Jr., a physical receiver adept at winning on short- and intermediate-route passes.
Cooper Jr.’s aggressiveness after the catch is notable, making him valuable for the offense in the middle of the field and the slot, and helping shift defensive attention away from Wilson.
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Having a significant number of early picks (#2, #16, and #33) is a rare luxury in the NFL Draft. This position gives the franchise flexibility to rebuild the roster’s foundation with elite talent at positions like the offensive or defensive line, rather than “forcing” a QB selection if the best ones are already gone.
Putting off selecting a QB with their early picks will signal that the New York franchise is confident with Geno Smith. Furthermore, this year’s QB class may not be deep enough to justify spending a first-round pick on anyone who isn’t a “once-in-a-generation talent,” unlike Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be the Las Vegas Raiders’ No. 1 pick.
