The NFL offseason is underway, and the clock is ticking. With less than 70 days until the NFL Draft, scouts and general managers are evaluating prospects and fits. Despite their struggles in 2025, all eyes are on how the New York Jets will spend their first two draft picks. With two picks in the top 20, the Jets have a chance to make some major additions to the team. Will head coach Aaron Glenn look to add to their woesome defense? Could they add another playmaker to the wide receiver room? Or, could they decide to pull the trigger on their quarterback of the future in Alabama’s Ty Simpson? Let’s examine one potential route the Jets can take in April through this mock draft.

First Round/Second Overall Pick: Arvell Reese, linebacker/edge rusher, Ohio State

To fix the defense, New York will need someone with a tour de force so palpable it can spread throughout the locker room. Enter Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reeese. One of the most well-rounded outside linebackers in the sport, the Cleveland native has been crucial for the Buckeyes defense. His dynamic speed makes him a nightmare for offensive tackles during pass rush, after recording six & a half sacks this year. While some may worry about being lighter than most edge rushers, Reese is mobile & explosive enough to develop into a full-time edge rusher down the line. After working with ex-Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia and linebackers coach James Laurinitis, the Buckeyes linebacker now has experience with NFL coaching that should ease his transition into the league.

Let Arvell Reese rush the passer pic.twitter.com/fmLrUj09B5

— Drew Beatty (@IronCityFilm) February 11, 2026

First Round/16th Overall Pick: Makai Lemon, wide receiver, USC

While it’d be tempting to pick Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson here, the consensus is that Simpson would benefit from a year behind an established starter. New York can’t afford to use a top 20 draft pick on a gunslinger who might not see the field this season. Instead, New York opts to add one of the top wide receivers in the class. What Makai Lemon lacks in size & strength, he makes up for in route running and ball tracking. Coming off his first 1,000+ yard season, along with 11 touchdowns, Makai Lemon has the tools to become a dynamic slot receiver who can impact the offense on all three levels for his quarterback.

Makai Lemon 79 REC, 1156 YDS, 14 Total TDs 2025 Season Highlights.pic.twitter.com/TLDc3lpzk3

— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) February 15, 2026

Second Round/33rd Overall Pick: Caleb Banks, defensive tackle, Florida

After making a dynamic addition by acquiring Jowon Briggs from the Cleveland Browns, Darren Mougey finds him another defensive tackle to pair up with. Despite needing refinement, Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks has size worth gambling on at 6’6″ and 330+ lbs. Banks’ active hands won him many battles in the trenches back in Gainesville. While a broken foot cost him a majority of his season, Banks returned in November and looked like his normal, powerful self. After adding Karl Dunbar as the new defensive line coach, he’d be the perfect teacher to help Banks maximize his potential.

Second Round/44th Overall Pick: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, safety, Toledo

After adding a dynamic safety in Malachi Moore in the fourth round last year, New York doubles on safety to give him a long-term running mate in the secondary. Arguably the most dynamic defensive back in the MAC last year, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren was vital for the Toledo Rockets defense. At 6’2″ with 4.5 40 speed, McNeil-Warren is a great disruptor after forcing nine career fumbles. McNeil-Warren operates best covering tight ends and bigger slot receivers in pass coverage. While his footwork could be a problem if asked to play in man coverage, the combination of Aaron Glenn and new defensive coordinator Brian Duker can help refine it.

Fourth Round/103rd Overall Pick: Malik Muhammad, cornerback, Texas

After ending the season with no interceptions, providing depth in the secondary is a must. Malik Muhammad has endured some of the toughest assignments in college football over the last three years. Asked to defend against some elite wide receivers across the SEC & college football across the board, Muhammad held his own. His main appeal is his calculated and methodical approach to disrupting routes. With technical footwork as well, Muhammad could be a steal if he falls out of the third round.

Fifth Round/175th Overall Pick: Mikhail Kamara, edge rusher, Indiana

While quarterback Fernando Mendoza was the focal point at Indiana last year, the Hoosiers don’t win the National Championship without their staggering defense. After following head coach Curt Cignetti to Bloomington, defensive end Mikhail Kamara saw firsthand the impact Cignetti had at James Madison. Renowned for his hand fighting and quick first step, Kamara has the chance to contribute right away.

Fifth Round/178th Overall Pick: Sawyer Robertson, quarterback, Baylor

At last, a quarterback. While this draft class isn’t as dynamic as 2024, there are some options. Sawyer Robertson started for two years at Baylor and was the cog that moved the Bears offense. At 6’4, 230lbs, he fits the physical strong armed profile for quarterbacks Frank Reich preferred in the past. Robertson has a lot more appeal than some would expect. If Reich and Bill Musgrave can hone his footwork, Robertson has long-term backup with starting potential written all over him.

Sixth Round/193rd Overall Pick: Kaelon Black, running back, Indiana

After picking up one Hoosier, why not add another dynamic cog from the reigning National Champions? Despite being smaller than ideal, running back Kaelon Black finished with the first 1,000-yard season of his career at Indiana. Depending on Breece Hall’s return, Black could be in line for some significant playing time in his rookie season.

Sixth Round/207th Overall Pick: Fa’alili Fa’amoe, offensive tackle, Wake Forest

After finding two long-term starters between Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou, New York adds some depth at offensive tackle. Following head coach Jake Dickert from Washington State to Wake Forest, Fa’alili Fa’moe was a multi-year starter at right tackle. Despite lacking ideal size, Fa’amoe did show some great run-blocking potential, providing running lanes for dynamic running back Demond Claiborne last year.

Seventh Round/218th Overall Pick: Lewis Bond, wide receiver, Boston College

After adding Makai Lemon in the first round, the Jets pick their second wide receiver in the class. Despite having only one touchdown, Lewis Bond finished 2025 with 993 yards at Boston College. Playing for a former NFL head coach in Bill O’Brien, Bond’s experience and twitchy speed could be a worthy gamble in the seventh round.

Seventh Round/242nd Overall Pick: Anez Cooper, offensive guard, Miami

Adding depth to the offensive line is always a smart move. This time, they focus on the interior. Whether it’s John Simpson or Alijah Vera-Tucker who is re-signed, the team will need backups. After providing running lanes for Mark Fletcher Jr, the 6’6″, 345 lb guard Anez Cooper would be a solid addition.

Main Photo: [Vincent Carchietta] – Imagn Images