TWSN 2026 NFL Mock Draft Has New York Jets Trading Up From Pick 16

Steve Bradshaw specializes in covering the NFL Draft, NFL, and Fantasy Football for TWSN. Notably, Bradshaw has been able to cover the NFL Combine with media credentials for TWSN.

Outside of football, Bradshaw also has experience writing about the MLB & NBA.

At this point in the NFL draft cycle, it seems as if Arvell Reese is going to be the pick at two for the New York Jets. After that, the Jets can really go a number of different ways, given how their roster is constructed.

By trading away Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams last year, it’s clear this is a rebuilding team. There are very few positions on this roster that don’t need to be upgraded.

While that’s not great for the Jets’ 2026 production, it allows them to take the best player available within reason. What makes this even more interesting is how much draft capital the Jets have.

New York has two first-round picks and two second-round picks, although they don’t have a selection in round three. That draft capital puts the Jets in an interesting spot.

One idea that hasn’t really been talked about is the Jets potentially trading up from 16. This recent TWSN mock draft has the scenario playing out, so below we’ll break down if the move makes sense or not.

Key Facts:

• Team: New York Jets

• 2025 Record: 3-14

• 2026 NFL Draft Picks (Days 1 & 2): 2, 16, 33 & 44

Should the New York Jets Trade Up From Pick 16?

Beyond just 2026, the Jets have a ton of draft capital in 2027. The Jets have three first-round picks in 2027, along with a second and third. If the Jets want to get aggressive, they have the resources to do it.

Here’s the mock trade that was made in this TWSN mock draft:

“Trade Details: NYJ receives pick 8, NO receives picks 16, 33, and 103

What better way to kick off your defensive rebuild than by adding two teammates from one of the best defenses in college football?”

After going with Reese at two, TWSN had New York moving up to pick No. 8 in order to draft Caleb Downs.

Should the New York Jets Draft Caleb Downs?

At first, my thought was the Jets should just keep their picks because they have so many holes to fill. At the same time, there’s a significant tier drop from Downs to the players that will be on the board.

The other argument against this is that the Jets need as much draft capital as possible to eventually land their franchise quarterback. In this scenario, they’re really not giving up that much capital, and the picks they are moving are all in 2026.

Despite coming into this article opposed to the idea, the more I’ve begun to break it down, this makes a ton of sense for the Jets if they’re able to draft Downs here.

There’s a legitimate argument that Caleb Downs is simply a better football player than Reese. While I’m not there, it’s not crazy to say, especially with Reese being more of a ceiling play while Downs has a higher floor.

Here’s why your team should draft Caleb Downs in the 2026 Draft 👇

B1G DPOY
164 solo tackles
16 TFL
6 INTs
6’0″ 205 lbs
87.6 defensive grade
89.6 coverage grade
83.7 run grade

Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer): “I feel comfortable saying (Downs) is the best player in the 2026 class” pic.twitter.com/3chegSy8mn

— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) February 18, 2026

At pick No. 8, that’s a price you can feel good about as his range likely starts at seven to the Washington Commanders. The New York Jets shouldn’t give up a haul for Downs, but at this cost, it’s a move that would make sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Caleb Downs Age?

Caleb Downs is 21 years old right now.

Caleb Downs College?

Downs played at Alabama in 2023 then Ohio State from 2024 to 2025.

Caleb Downs Stats?

Last year Downs had 68 tackles for five tackles for loss and two interceptions.

New York Jets Round 1 Picks?

At the moment, the New York Jets have pick No. 2 and No. 16 in the 2026 NFL draft.

TWSN 2026 NFL Mock Draft Has New York Jets Trading Up From Pick 16

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