The New York Jets have yet to turn their misfortune around, and it starts with a solid offseason, including a shrewd 2026 NFL Draft. Aaron Glenn’s men posted a 3-14 campaign, and the head coach desperately needs to turn the ship around if he wants to see a third year with the franchise.
What should they do in the upcoming draft?
Star WR Makai Lemon Could Land With the Jets in 2026 NFL Draft
USC wideout Makai Lemon asserted himself as one of the most valuable receivers in this year’s draft class. The Trojans might’ve missed the playoffs this season at 9-4, but Lemon stood tall as one of the best players on the roster. He dominated the workload in the passing game, catching 79 balls for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns (amounting to a career total of 17 scores).
The All-American is a guaranteed first-rounder on many draft boards, with several teams standing to benefit from his services in the passing game.
The Jets, meanwhile, quickly fell out of playoff contention in 2025. With Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook sharing snaps under center, the offense ranked 29th in scoring (58.7 PFSN’s NFL Offense Impact Metric). Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand failed to effectively utilize stars like Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson.
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PFSN’s Jack Aaron is convinced another weapon on offense should do the trick. Wilson was mostly muted out wide this season, and other receivers like tight end Mason Taylor and wideout Adonai Mitchell did little to provide relief.
New York notably has two first-round picks this year. While Aaron believes their second-overall pick should be used on Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, he thinks their No. 16 pick should be spent on Lemon.
“Beyond Garrett Wilson, the Jets lack proven receiver depth,” Aaron wrote in his mock draft. “While John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell flashed occasionally, neither profiles as a reliable WR2. Slot specialist Makai Lemon is viewed by some as the draft’s best route runner due to his elite separation ability. His yards-after-catch upside should secure him a top-16 selection.”
As the only top-tier wide receiver on the Jets’ roster this season, Wilson’s numbers suffered significantly. Before his season-ending injury in Week 10, he failed to record a single 100-yard game.
Mitchell and John Metchie III weren’t of any consolation in the passing game, and New York was essentially out of the playoffs by midseason. As the team’s defense looked even worse than the offense, Aaron’s linebacker pick at No. 2 should hold water. On the other hand, it remains to be seen whether the front office pulls the trigger on Lemon at No. 16.
