The 2026 NFL Draft is a critical one for the New York Jets. Headed by new GM Darren Mougey, the Jets haven’t had a winning season since 2015.
After a season with no receiver over 400 yards and zero interceptions, the Jets have major roster needs. Coach Aaron Glenn is shifting the defense to a 3-4 front, while the offense returns to Geno Smith at quarterback.
With four picks in the first 45, Mougey and the Jets can explore several paths to a successful draft and reinvigorating a franchise that has fallen on hard times. Here’s one seven-round mock draft path the Jets can fly, with no trades included in these projections.
First round, No. 2: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami
Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) rushes the line past Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Trey Zuhn III (60) during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Choosing between Bain, Arvell Reese and David Bailey as the top pass rusher is something of a dealer’s choice. For Glenn and new defensive coordinator Brian Duker, the roots in stopping the run on the way to the quarterback run deep.
Bain offers that immediately, as well as a versatile, diverse pass rush attack that features both speed and power. He’s a high-floor football player who should be able to make a big impact on the Jets defense right away.
First round, No. 16: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
McCoy is something of a gamble as a high-upside cover corner. After a dominant 2024 campaign at Tennessee, McCoy missed 2025 with a torn ACL. His strong pro day eases concerns about McCoy’s athleticism. His hands-on style matches how Glenn – a former Pro Bowl CB – wants his outside corners to play.
Second round, No. 33: Omar Cooper, WR, Indiana
Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
Cooper brings a playmaking flair to the Jets offense. He’s capable of playing with dynamic top Jets WR Garrett Wilson, who should be back at full strength after an injury-shortened 2025.
Cooper can win over the top on the outside; he led the nation in YPC in 2024 as a vertical threat. Yet the confident, sure-handed Cooper proved in 2025 that he’s very effective working the intermediate ranges from the slot.
Second round, No. 44: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
An all-gas, no-brakes stand-up edge rusher with an outstanding burst off the snap, Thomas offers pass-rush sizzle to the Jets defense. His speed and ability to bend the edge are a fun pairing with Bain. Thomas does have the athleticism to develop into being able to play more in space than the Sooners asked of him, too.
Fourth round: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier gestures after a play against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium.
It’s debatable if Nussmeier will last to the third pick of the draft’s third day, but he makes a lot of sense if he’s on the board for the Jets. Nussmeier battled through an injury-plagued, tumultuous 2025 at LSU, washing away preseason first-round draft projections.
A strong Senior Bowl week revived the positives that carried from 2024. Nussmeier is poised, aggressive and very accurate on anticipatory and timing throws.
The arm strength, while never outstanding, looked passable again. Nussmeier’s aggression gets the better of him too often. If the Jets coaching staff can harness it, Nussmeier has starting upside and the personality to handle the peculiar pressures of playing in New York.
Fourth round: Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington
Prysock is a tantalizing size/speed outside cornerback prospect who does two things very well that will immediately endear him to Coach Glenn. He’s disruptive near the line of scrimmage against outside receivers, and he’s a menace to the opposing run offense.
The 6-foot-3 Prysock can also play in zone. He might not get his hands on many throws, but he brings coverage instincts and plays with passion.
Fifth round: Jaden Dugger, LB, Louisiana
Lanky for a LB at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Dugger transitioned from safety to inside backer after transferring from Georgetown. He didn’t lose the safety feel for coverage, thriving at the Shrine Bowl. Dugger also can attack downhill and blitz, bagging four sacks amongst his 125 total tackles in 2025. The body type is different, but Dugger should remind Glenn of his standout LB in Detroit, Alex Anzalone.
Seventh round: Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati
Allen is one of those “instantly open” wideouts. His twitchy quickness and fast footwork give the 5-10, 180-pounder the ability to quickly shake coverage and present himself as a target. Playing for three colleges in four years, Allen has experience playing all sorts of roles.
At his best, he’s a seam-stretcher from the slot who can also rise up for the occasional “Moss” play in the red zone.
Seventh round: Alan Herron, OL, Maryland
An athletically promising developmental project, Herron has the size and movement ability to emerge as a valuable reserve at guard or tackle. His technique and consistency need work, but the former D-II standout has late-round flier potential.