While the New York Jets do not hold the top selection in the 2026 NFL draft, the two picks the team does have in Round 1 allows them to land two big name players in Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock.
The NFL Network draft guru has Ohio State linebacker heading to New York with the second-overall selection and with the No. 16 selection, Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is added by the Jets.
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Reese is a versatile defender that could play on the line or off the ball for the Jets defense for years to come. In 2025, he had 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 14 games played.
With Cooper, his dynamic ability helped Indiana win the National Championship last season and could help Garrett Wilson at wideout on the Jets offense moving forward. In 16 games played last year, Cooper had 69 catches, 937 yards and 13 touchdowns.
For Jeremiah’s breakdown on both Jets picks in his mock, see below:
Round 1, pick 2: LB Arvell Reese (Ohio State)
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) reacts during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.
I go back and forth between Reese and Texas Tech’s David Bailey here. Reese, with experience playing on the line and off the ball, gives the Jets more scheme flexibility in their 3-4 defense.
Round 1, pick 16: WR Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana)
Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) makes a catch for a touchdown Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, during the Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Oregon Ducks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Cooper would be an awesome complement to veteran receiver Garrett Wilson. The former Hoosier is a tough pass catcher who can play inside and outside.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Jets grab big names in latest Daniel Jeremiah mock