Now that Super Bowl LX is in the rearview mirror, the New York Jets are officially on the clock-and this time of year is where they’ve historically shined: the offseason. With free agency looming and the 2026 NFL Draft fast approaching, the Jets are sitting in a prime position to reshape their roster in a big way.
Armed with four picks in the top 45-including two in the top 16-New York has the draft capital to make some serious noise. And if the latest mock draft from NBC Sports analyst (and known Jets enthusiast) Connor Rogers is any indication, the team could be looking at a one-two punch that upgrades both sides of the ball.
A Defensive Tone-Setter at No. 2?
With the second overall pick, Rogers projects the Jets to select Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey, a move that would signal not just a talent infusion but potentially a shift in defensive philosophy.
Bailey is coming off a dominant season where he consistently disrupted opposing offenses and helped lead Texas Tech to the College Football Playoff. His explosiveness off the line, ability to bend the edge, and relentless pursuit make him a nightmare for quarterbacks-and exactly what the Jets need.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: New York finished 31st in total sacks in 2025. The pass rush, which was expected to be a strength, simply didn’t get home often enough.
Jermaine Johnson II and Will McDonald IV showed flashes, but the unit lacked a true difference-maker. Bailey could be that guy.
There’s also a coaching element at play here. With Steve Wilks out and Aaron Glenn stepping into a more active role alongside new defensive coordinator Brian Duker, the Jets may be cooking up some schematic changes.
The return of defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, who previously helped develop some of the league’s most disruptive fronts, only adds fuel to that fire. If the Jets are leaning toward more 3-4 looks, Bailey fits the mold perfectly.
A Big-Bodied Weapon at No. 16
With their second first-rounder at No. 16, Rogers has the Jets turning to the offensive side of the ball and selecting Denzel Boston, the standout wide receiver from Washington. This pick would give Garrett Wilson the kind of help he’s been waiting for.
Boston brings a physical presence to the receiving corps-he’s got the size, catch radius, and contested-catch ability to win against NFL corners. Over the last two seasons, he’s hauled in 20 touchdowns, and he’s just as effective blocking in the run game as he is making plays downfield. That kind of versatility is exactly what the Jets need to rebuild a passing attack that, quite frankly, was broken last season.
Let’s not forget: Wilson led the team in receiving yards despite his season effectively ending in October. That says a lot about his talent-and just as much about the lack of help around him.
The Jets opened the 2025 season with Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds as their next-best options. Midseason pickups like Adonai Mitchell and John Metchie offered some spark, but the damage had already been done.
Slotting Boston alongside Wilson and Mitchell gives the Jets a much more complete receiver room-one that can stretch the field, win on the outside, and block in the run game. It’s the kind of trio that can support a competent quarterback, something the Jets have been chasing for far too long.
With two first-round picks, the Jets have a real opportunity to address glaring needs on both sides of the ball. Bailey brings the edge-rushing juice this defense has been missing, while Boston adds physicality and polish to a receiving corps desperate for depth and reliability.
It’s still early in the draft process, but if things shake out the way Rogers predicts, the Jets could walk away from Round 1 with two cornerstone players-and a much clearer path back to contention in 2026.