New York Jets NFL Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

The Jets need a full-on talent infusion, and Reese might be the best overall player in this year's draft.

After drafting a pass rusher with the second overall pick, the Jets take a rugged people-mover at guard to continue their inside-out rebuild.

The Jets need playmakers across the board on defense. In case you haven't heard, they set NFL records for fewest turnovers (four) and interceptions (zero) in a season. Reese can't solve all of that, but he has Micah Parsons-esque potential as a college off-ball linebacker with the skills to be a dominant pass rusher. His ability to play at multiple spots would make him a fun chess piece for Aaron Glenn to deploy as he returns to calling plays on that side of the ball. If there was a quarterback worth taking here, the Jets would do it — but unfortunately, there isn't.

GM Darren Mougey worked the phones looking both to trade up and trade back and either accumulate assets or add a quarterback of the Tanner McKee/Mac Jones ilk. There were bites — especially since the Jets aren't quite ready to dip into their stock of 2027 draft picks. The Jets hoped for one of Makai Lemon, Carnell Tate or Jordyn Tyson to fall here, but because they didn't, they'll be just fine with the next-best wideout on the board in Boston, a big-bodied talent who would complement Garrett Wilson well in the new Frank Reich-run offense.

As NFL defenses continue to evolve, positional versatility is becoming more valuable, and Arvell Reese provides that. He can play all three linebacker spots, fit any scheme, and is as good off the ball as he is rushing off the edge. In other words, he's the kind of player likely to come off the board early.

Projected trade: It's possible the Jets could go for a QB with their second first-round pick, but I have them targeting another WR for whoever their quarterback ends up being in 2026 and beyond. Jordyn Tyson essentially was the Arizona State passing attack, receiving roughly 125% of the team's targets. Everybody knew where the Sun Devils were trying to get the ball, and nobody could keep Tyson from getting it.

The Jets have their pick of the draft's finest edge rushers here. Bailey's combination of explosiveness and production is the best of the bunch.

I know quarterback is a huge need for the Jets, but I don't see a QB worthy of the 16th overall pick this year. So, they can take the best player available here. I view Ioane as the best offensive lineman in the draft. He can fill the void with the injury-plagued Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson headed for free agency.

A quarterback is unlikely at this juncture for the Jets, who have myriad needs to address in this draft and the next, when they are flush with picks. Only the 49ers finished with fewer sacks than the Jets in 2025, so Reese could bring New York's defense significant pass-rush upside and versatility.

After playing mostly inside linebacker at Ohio State prior to last season, Reese kicked out to a primary edge role in 2025 and posted 6.5 sacks. Only Will McDonald IV had a higher sack total (8) among Jets players last season. Reese has great length, a quick first step and smooth athletic movements to bend the edge around opposing tackles.

Quarterback was once again a consideration for the Jets, but they can afford to be patient with three first-round picks in 2027. The extremely talented Banks could pair with Reese and solidify their defensive cornerstones moving forward. Banks was limited to just three games this past season due to injury, but he showcased his upside during a dominant week of practice at the Senior Bowl. At 6-foot-6, 330 pounds with 35-inch arms, his overwhelming size should translate to the NFL level. He could become a top-10 player from this class with the proper development.

The Jets would love a quarterback good enough to take here, but there isn't one. So this is a smart time to go best player available, which very well could be Bain. He doesn't have prototypical build, but he has incredible athleticism and skill to be an impact defensive end in the NFL from Day 1.

This could be a steal here for the Jets and new offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who get to add another high-upside, high-floor prospect here in Tyson. Figuring out who will be throwing them the ball next season is a different story, but Tyson and Garrett Wilson is a good one-two punch for somebody.

The draft suddenly gets interesting at No. 2. The Jets have a big quarterback need, and they could use Ty Simpson. But this roster needs a lot of help after trading away all its stars.

So, the Jets take quite possibly the best player in the draft. Reese is a versatile defender. I think he's best when he's on the ball — he's explosive, flexible and can bend. All of those things are going to pay off in a big way for Reese at the next level. He reminds me so much of Micah Parsons, who flashed some of his pass-rushing ability in college before majoring as a pass rusher in the NFL. Reese can blitz up the middle and can tackle, too.

I don't think it makes a ton of sense for the Jets to take a swing at wide receiver here, and we still don't know who their quarterback will be. They've got so many holes to address and I think they might be smart to wait until next offseason to be aggressive in getting a quarterback.

But this was the first team in NFL history to not get an interception in a season. So, they need someone who can help in the secondary. Hood's a really good player.