The New York Jets find themselves in a familiar spot heading into the 2026 NFL Draft - staring down the barrel of a major decision at quarterback while also needing to shore up a defense that’s shown flashes but hasn’t quite put it all together. In the latest mock draft from Chad Reuter, the Jets take a two-pronged approach: fortify the defense early, then circle back and address the quarterback position later in the first round.
At No. 2 overall, Reuter projects the Jets to go with Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese, a name that’s been steadily climbing up draft boards after a breakout junior year. Reese isn’t just another athletic pass rusher - he’s the kind of disruptive presence off the edge that can change the complexion of a defense.
At 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss last season, he showed the kind of closing speed and length that NFL scouts love. And with veteran linebacker Quincy Williams likely heading out the door in free agency - especially after the team traded his brother at the deadline - this pick could be as much about replacing production as it is about building for the future.
Reese brings the kind of upside you want at the top of the draft. He’s raw in some areas, sure, but the talent is undeniable.
And for a Jets defense that’s been solid but not elite, adding a young, high-motor edge rusher could be the spark they need. If Williams does leave, Reese could step in immediately and give the Jets a cost-controlled, high-ceiling player at a premium position.
But let’s be honest - as important as defense is, the Jets’ biggest question mark is still under center.
Rather than reaching for a quarterback at No. 2, Reuter has the Jets playing the long game and waiting until pick No. 16 to address the position, selecting Ty Simpson out of Alabama.
Simpson isn’t being talked about as a top-10 lock, but he’s got plenty of traits that make him a compelling option. He’s the son of a longtime college coach, which shows up in his football IQ and command of the offense.
On the field, he’s got the arm strength to push the ball downfield, the poise to hang in the pocket, and enough mobility to extend plays when things break down.
This pick would mirror what we’ve seen from other teams recently - prioritize a defensive cornerstone early, then circle back and take a shot on a quarterback with upside later in the first round. It’s a strategy that requires patience and, more importantly, a strong developmental plan. And that’s where things get tricky for the Jets.
Developing quarterbacks hasn’t exactly been their strong suit in recent years. Drafting Simpson would mean committing to a long-term plan - giving him the coaching, support, and time he needs to grow into a starting role.
That’s not always easy in a city like New York, where the pressure cooker is always on high. But if the Jets are serious about building something sustainable, this could be a smart way to do it: get a potential game-changer on defense in Reese, and a quarterback with real tools and pedigree in Simpson.
The key, of course, will be patience - and execution. The blueprint is there. Now it’s on the Jets to make it work.