The New York Jets are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with a rare opportunity - and a whole lot of draft capital to make something happen. With 11 total picks, including four selections inside the top 50, general manager Darren Mougey has the kind of ammunition that can reshape a roster. And based on early projections, the Jets may be looking to build that foundation on the defensive side of the ball.
In a recent full first-round mock draft, NFL draft analyst Gordon McGuinness had the Jets making a bold move at No. 2 overall: selecting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. It’s a pick that would certainly raise eyebrows, not because Downs isn’t talented - far from it - but because safeties rarely go that high in today’s draft climate.
Caleb Downs: A Do-It-All Defensive Anchor
Let’s talk about what makes Downs such a compelling prospect. At 6-foot, 205 pounds, he’s not just a safety - he’s a defensive chess piece.
At Ohio State, Downs consistently showed the ability to line up all over the field. Deep safety, box, slot - you name it, he did it.
And he did it well. He earned Pro Football Focus grades north of 85.0 in each of the last three seasons, a testament to both his physical tools and football IQ.
McGuinness even compared his potential value to that of Kyle Hamilton, who went No. 14 overall in 2022 but has since developed into one of the league’s premier safeties. The suggestion here is clear: if teams could do that draft over, Hamilton would go much higher. And Downs might be even more versatile coming out of college.
So why the hesitation? It comes down to positional value.
Safeties, no matter how good, often get pushed down the board in favor of premium positions like quarterback, edge rusher, or offensive tackle. But this year’s draft class is light on elite top-end talent, and that opens the door for a team like the Jets to take the best overall player - regardless of position.
Peter Woods at No. 16: Building the Trenches
But the Jets aren’t stopping with Downs. In McGuinness’ mock, they double down on defense by selecting Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods with the 16th overall pick - a move that makes a lot of sense given recent roster changes.
With Quinnen Williams traded to the Dallas Cowboys at the deadline, there’s a clear need for an interior disruptor. Woods, despite a dip in production this past season, still offers a high ceiling. He posted back-to-back seasons in 2023 and 2024 with PFF grades above 83.0 and was widely considered one of the top defensive linemen in the country heading into 2025.
His 2025 numbers - 28 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and three sacks - weren’t quite as dominant, and his week-to-week consistency became a concern for some scouts. But the tools are there.
At 6-foot-3, 315 pounds, Woods has the kind of frame and athleticism that can wreak havoc in the trenches. He’s explosive off the line, can anchor against the run, and has shown flashes of interior pass-rush ability.
If the Jets do make this pick, new defensive coordinator Brian Duker will play a key role in unlocking Woods’ potential. The physical traits are NFL-ready, but turning him into a reliable, every-down force will require development - especially in terms of technique and motor.
A Defensive Identity Taking Shape
What’s clear from this mock draft scenario is that the Jets are leaning into a defensive identity. With an offensive core already in place, the front office appears to be betting on building a unit that can control games from the other side of the ball. Adding a dynamic safety like Downs and a high-upside interior lineman like Woods would give the Jets two cornerstone pieces to build around.
And with four picks in the top 50, this is just the beginning. The Jets have the flexibility to address multiple needs, but if they choose to go all-in on defense early, it could set the tone for a team that wants to win with toughness, versatility, and playmakers at every level.
The 2026 NFL Draft is still a few months away, but one thing’s for sure: the Jets are in a position to make serious noise. And if they hit on these picks, we could be looking at the foundation of a defense that’s built to last.