After a brutal 3-14 campaign that left even the most loyal fans questioning what’s next, the New York Jets are staring down a pivotal offseason. The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be more than just a talent grab - it’s a chance to reset the tone of the franchise. And with two first-round picks in hand, the Jets are poised to make noise - just not in the way some might’ve expected.
The quarterback conversation? It’s cooled off in New York, and for good reason.
Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza all but locked in his status as the likely No. 1 overall pick after his gutsy performance in the College Football Playoff National Championship. With the Las Vegas Raiders holding that top spot, Mendoza looks destined for the desert.
And with Dante Moore opting to return to Oregon for another season, the Jets’ options under center have thinned. But that might actually work in their favor.
Instead of forcing a quarterback pick, New York appears ready to turn its focus to the other side of the ball - defense. According to a recent mock draft, the Jets are projected to target defensive help with both the No. 2 and No. 16 selections.
Given how historically poor their defense was in 2025 - finishing 31st in points allowed and, remarkably, recording zero interceptions - that shift feels not just logical, but necessary.
Let’s break down the two prospects the Jets are projected to target:
No. 2 Overall Pick - Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
With Moore off the board and no surefire quarterback option at No. 2, the Jets are expected to go with the best overall player available - and right now, that’s Arvell Reese. The Ohio State linebacker has been one of the fastest risers on draft boards this winter, and for good reason.
Reese blends size, speed, and versatility in a way that makes him a modern-day defensive weapon. He’s not just a thumper in the middle - though he can certainly do that - he’s also capable of dropping into coverage or turning up the heat as an edge rusher.
In two seasons with the Buckeyes, Reese racked up 112 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two passes defended. That stat line only scratches the surface of his impact.
He’s a tone-setter, the kind of player who can anchor a defense and elevate the play of everyone around him. For a Jets team that desperately needs leadership and playmaking on defense, Reese could be the cornerstone they’ve been missing.
No. 16 Overall Pick - Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
If not for a torn ACL that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, Jermod McCoy might’ve been the first cornerback off the board. Even with the injury, his stock remains high - and for good reason.
When healthy, McCoy was a lockdown presence in Tennessee’s secondary. He earned first-team All-American honors in his last full season, picking off four passes, defending seven more, and holding opposing quarterbacks to a 53.6 passer rating, per PFF.
With Sauce Gardner no longer in the fold, the Jets have a massive hole in their secondary. McCoy has the tools to fill it. His instincts, ball skills, and physicality on the perimeter could make him a Day 1 starter - and potentially a long-term answer at a position that’s become increasingly vital in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
The Big Picture
This draft isn’t about flash for the Jets - it’s about foundation. After a season where everything that could go wrong seemingly did, the front office appears focused on rebuilding a defense that was once the team’s calling card.
If they can land Reese and McCoy, they’ll be adding two high-upside defenders who bring both production and potential. It won’t fix everything overnight, but it’s a start - and for a fanbase starving for something to believe in, that’s a step in the right direction.