Rich CiminiApr 16, 2026, 04:02 PM ET

CloseRich Cimini is a staff writer who covers the New York Jets and the NFL at ESPN. Rich has covered the Jets for over 30 years, joining ESPN in 2010. Rich also hosts the Flight Deck podcast. He previously was a beat writer for the New York Daily News and is a graduate of Syracuse University.

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The 2026 NFL draft begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh, when the New York Jets will pick at No. 2 overall in Round 1. The draft continues with Rounds 2-3 on April 24 and Rounds 4-7 on April 25 (ESPN, ABC and ESPN the app).

The Jets have nine total picks: Nos. 2, 16, 33, 44, 103, 140, 179, 228, 242. But how will they use them? Which positions need to be addressed? Which prospects are coming in for visits and getting buzz with the New York front office and coaching staff?

Jets reporter Rich Cimini has the latest intel on the team’s draft plans, potential targets and more in the lead-up to the 2026 draft. We will update this page right up until Round 1 begins.

See more on the NFL draft
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April 16: There was quite a reaction on social media Wednesday night when SNY-TV reported that the Jets had cancelled a scheduled visit with Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey with he and Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese being the favorites to be chosen by the Jets with the No. 2 overall pick.

Does this mean Bailey is out of the running? No, it doesn’t.

A source confirmed the visit was cancelled, but it’s not what you think. The Jets feel comfortable with the amount of information they’ve gathered on Bailey, and, with a limited number of visits allowed, they decided to use Bailey’s spot for another player, the source said.

The Jets met with Bailey at the combine and his recent pro day, so they believe they have a good feel for the player.

Teams were allowed to have up to 30 non-local prospects take pre-draft visits. Wednesday was the last day for the top-30 visits.

Could Glenn and Co. go CB early?

April 15: So much of the pre-draft focus has centered on edge rusher, wide receiver and quarterback. Don’t forget about cornerback, a sneaky need for the Jets.

They hosted at least two highly-regarded corners for visits — Jermod McCoy (Tennessee) and Chris Johnson (San Diego State).

Presumably, the Jets wanted McCoy in their building to re-check his surgically repaired knee. He tore his ACL in January 2025, costing him the entire 2025 season. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds at his recent pro day, and he has the size (6-foot-1) that coach Aaron Glenn likes in his corners. He’s projected as a likely first rounder. Johnson could last until Round 2.

The Jets have some uncertainty at corner after trading star Sauce Gardner to the Colts last fall. Azareye’h Thomas showed glimpses of potential in five starts last season as a rookie, but he’s coming off shoulder surgery. They signed former Chicago Bears starter Nahshon Wright in free agency, but it was only $3.5 million. Wright and Thomas are expected to battle for the starting job opposite Brandon Stephens.

Glenn, a former corner, places a high value on the position. If there’s a player who excels in man-to-man coverage, he might be hard to pass up.

WR in play with Pick 16

April 13: The Jets hosted Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. on Monday, a source told ESPN’s Jordan Reid.

Clearly, the Jets are in the market for a receiver to pair with WR1 Garrett Wilson, and Cooper figures to be in play with the 16th overall pick. He’s 6 feet with 4.42 speed in the 40-yard dash, and he was highly productive for the CFP champions — 69 catches, 937 yards and 13 touchdowns.

He’s a physical player, willing to block, which fits into what coach Aaron Glenn is trying to build.

If the consensus top three receivers — Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, USC’s Makai Lemon and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson — are gone by 16, the Jets could pounce on Cooper. It’s also possible they prefer Cooper over Lemon and Tyson. Tate is believed to be their top choice, though there’s little chance he will slip to 16.

April 8: Looking at the Jets’ top-30 visits, it’s not hard to figure out which positions they’re targeting. They’ve hosted several wide receivers and edge rushers, most notably DE David Bailey, LB Arvell Reese, DE Zion Young, WR Makai Lemon and WR Chris Bell.

Reese and Bailey are thought to be the favorites with the No. 2 overall pick — a fascinating decision between two players with different skill sets. At this stage of their careers, Bailey is the more polished pass rusher, but Reese intrigues with his versatility and upside.

Wide receiver could be in play with the 16th pick. Ideally, they’d like to find a bigger receiver to pair with Wilson (6-feet). Bell (6-2) would fit the bill. though he’s considered more of a second-round option. The Jets are also showing interest in Tate (6-2) and Tyson (6-2), both of whom could be first-round considerations.