Jets Mock Draft Shifts Dramatically After Bold Move by Reich

Jets’ Mock Draft Outlook Shifts After Frank Reich Hire: Arvell Reese Still Leads, But Ty Simpson Gains Steam

The New York Jets haven’t played a snap in months, but they just made one of their most impactful moves of the offseason - and it’s already shaking up draft boards.

With the hiring of Frank Reich as offensive coordinator, the Jets' draft outlook has taken a noticeable turn. For weeks, the consensus among mock drafters was locked in: Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese at No. 2 overall, and USC wide receiver Makai Lemon at No.

16. It was practically a given.

The Reese-Lemon combo had become the mock draft equivalent of a greatest hits album - reliable, predictable, and maybe a little too familiar.

But that predictability just got tossed out the window.

Reich’s arrival in New York has injected a fresh dose of uncertainty - and intrigue - into the Jets’ first-round strategy. While Reese still holds firm as the overwhelming favorite at No. 2 (appearing in 70% of recent mocks), the No. 16 pick is where things get interesting. Instead of the previously assumed wide receiver, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is now drawing serious attention, showing up in 21% of mocks.

Let’s break this down.

Why Arvell Reese Still Makes Sense at No. 2

Reese has been a near-consensus pick for the Jets at the top of the draft, and that hasn’t changed. The Ohio State linebacker is a dynamic, sideline-to-sideline playmaker with elite athleticism and a nose for the ball. He fits the Jets' defensive identity - aggressive, fast, and physical - and would be a foundational piece alongside an already talented front seven.

Even with Reich’s offensive background, the Jets' need for a defensive tone-setter remains. Reese checks every box, and unless something dramatic shifts in the next few months, he looks like a lock to hear his name early on draft night.

The Reich Effect: Enter Ty Simpson

The real ripple effect comes at pick No. 16.

With Reich now steering the offensive ship, mock drafts are starting to reflect a philosophical shift. Ty Simpson, the Alabama quarterback, has surged into the conversation.

It’s not just a blip - it’s a trend. And it makes sense when you dig into Reich’s history.

Reich is a former NFL quarterback who’s built his coaching résumé by developing signal-callers. As an offensive coordinator and head coach, he’s favored pass-heavy schemes, often leaning on three-receiver sets and vertical concepts.

That’s not the kind of system you plug just anyone into. It requires a quarterback with poise, arm talent, and processing speed - traits Simpson has shown flashes of in Tuscaloosa.

Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean the Jets are committed to drafting a quarterback in the first round. But the mock draft community is clearly picking up on Reich’s tendencies and connecting the dots. The idea of him handpicking a young quarterback to develop - even if it’s a long-term play - is gaining traction.

What This Means for the Jets’ Draft Strategy

This shift signals a broader question: Are the Jets thinking long-term at quarterback, or are they looking for immediate solutions?

Reich’s coaching timeline could factor into that answer. At 64, he’s not necessarily a long-term fixture.

His recent coaching stops suggest he’s more of a stabilizer than a builder - someone brought in to right the ship, not steer it for a decade. That could point to a preference for a veteran quarterback who can hit the ground running.

But if the Jets believe in Simpson’s upside - and if Reich sees a QB he can mold quickly - it’s not hard to imagine them pulling the trigger at 16. Especially if the board falls in a way that leaves them without a clear-cut top receiver or offensive lineman at that spot.

The Rest of the Top 16: Notable Picks

Here’s a snapshot of the current consensus mock draft’s top 16 selections, based on mocks compiled over the past week:

1. Las Vegas Raiders - Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (100%)
2. New York Jets - Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State (70%)
3. Arizona Cardinals - Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (43%)
4. Tennessee Titans - Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami (33%)
5. New York Giants - Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (33%)
6. Cleveland Browns - Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (30%)
7. Washington Commanders - David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (30%)
8. New Orleans Saints - Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (37%)
9. Kansas City Chiefs - Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (7%)
10. Cincinnati Bengals - Peter Woods, DL, Clemson (13%)
11. Miami Dolphins - Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (40%)
12. Dallas Cowboys - Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (27%)
13. Los Angeles Rams - Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (37%)
14. Baltimore Ravens - Olaivavega Ioana, IOL, Penn State (27%)
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (28%)
16. New York Jets - Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (21%)

Final Thoughts

The Jets’ draft picture is far from finalized, but one thing is clear: Frank Reich’s presence has altered the landscape. Arvell Reese still looks like the cornerstone pick at No. 2, but the door is now open for a quarterback at 16 - something that seemed unlikely just a few weeks ago.

Whether the Jets go all-in on a young QB or stick with more immediate needs, the Reich hire has added a new layer of intrigue to their offseason. And with the draft still months away, this could be just the beginning of the shake-up.