The Jets may be better in 2026 than they were a year ago, but the record tells the louder story: 2-6, and the conversation is already drifting toward Darren Mougey and the 2027 NFL Draft.
That’s where the real pressure points sit. New York has talent on the roster, especially on offense, but the defense still needs a major reset.
The good news for the Jets is that they have three first-round picks to work with. The bad news is that the list of holes is long, and the front office can’t afford to treat any of them like a luxury.
If Mougey is mapping out the next wave of young cornerstones, these are the six spots that have to be at the top of the board.
Franchise quarterback sits at No. 1, even with Geno Smith playing terrific football this season. The idea of following the Kirk Cousins/Fernando Mendoza path and bringing Smith back in 2027 is presented as a sensible one, but the reality remains the same: Smith won’t be the answer forever, and the Jets still need the player who can eventually take over and lead them out of their dark age.
The pass rush comes next. David Bailey has already become the one defender opponents have to account for, but he’s doing it as a rookie and he needs help.
The Jets need a true star alongside him, ideally a bigger edge who can win with power. Speed rushers like Will McDonald, the source notes, haven’t been the right fit next to Bailey.
Inside, the need for a disruptive defensive tackle is just as clear. T’Vondre Sweat has been tremendous, and Darrell Jackson Jr. has started to show something against the run, but Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs have both regressed. That has left New York hunting for an interior pass rusher, whether the defense is built as a 3-4 or a 4-3 next season.
Linebacker is another area that needs a long-term answer. Demario Davis is nearing the end, and Jamien Sherwood’s regression at the wrong time likely means he won’t be back in 2027. The class is described as thin, which only raises the urgency if the Jets want a Davis replacement or a running mate.
Outside cornerback also belongs near the top of the list. Brandon Stephens has been solid, but not the kind of long-term No. 1 corner a defense can build around.
Azareye’h Thomas has been up and down, though mostly up over the last few weeks. Leonard Moore would be the headline swing, especially if D’Angelo Ponds stays in the slot, but there are other appealing options late in the first round.
And then there’s center, where Josh Myers stands out as the weak link on an otherwise strong offensive line. Dylan Parham has been phenomenal, but the drop-off to Jordan Meredith showed how badly this roster needs depth. That’s why another lineman could be in play.
The possible names listed for that spot are Greg Johnson of Minnesota, Kade Pieper of Iowa, and Anthonie Knapp of Notre Dame. For cornerback, the options include Leonard Moore, Ellis Robinson IV of Georgia, and Kelley Jones of Mississippi State. At linebacker, the board includes Chris Cole of Georgia, Kynngston Viliamu-Asa of Notre Dame, and Sammy Brown of Clemson.
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Among the names drawing interest are Georgia cornerback Ellis Robinson IV, Tennessee defensive lineman Xavier Gilliam and Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr. The appeal is obvious from the Jets perspective: Robinson could bolster the back end, Gilliam could strengthen the front, and Carr offers a possible swing at the sports most important position, giving the club a chance to reshape the roster in more than one direction if the draft board breaks right. [Read more 🡒]