The latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft landed an elite haul on both sides of the ball for the New York Jets. It should be a huge boost for Aaron Glenn’s squad.
Oct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) and linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrate during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Yahoo Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz recently discussed that he expects there to be a ton of trades when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off in less than two weeks. With that in mind, I ran an exercise with the New York Jets being involved in multiple trades. It made things extremely interesting.
In my latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft, the Jets were able to land multiple new passing game weapons. They also nabbed a potentially elite cornerback duo, as well as some pass rush help. It ended up being an outstanding haul of players.
The New York Jets trade the No. 2 selection to the Miami Dolphins for the No. 11, No. 30, and the No. 43 selections
Now that McCoy is healthy, there isn’t much stopping him from becoming a top cornerback on the next level. If you love press man cornerbacks with outstanding physicality and long speed, then you will love McCoy’s game.
The 2025 NFL Draft class is littered with a lot of outstanding cornerbacks… but I’m not sure I’ve seen one better in CFB this season than Tennessee star Jermod McCoy.
Only a sophomore (and 19 years old!) so won’t be eligible until 2026. Physical press man corner who can run. pic.twitter.com/F2KhmU0QWK
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) December 29, 2024
The Jets lack passing game weapons outside of Garrett Wilson. Lemon is a ready-made slot receiver who can handle a high volume early in his NFL career. Those two would be a tremendous pairing for the offense to work with.
The New York Jets trade the No. 30 selection to the Seattle Seahawks for the No. 32 and the No. 96 selections
Thomas is a smaller EDGE defender, but he has some legitimate juice as a pass rusher. Even if Thomas never becomes much of a run defender, he can certainly get after the quarterback.
Oklahoma EDGE R Mason Thomas (#32) wreaked havoc everywhere for the Sooners in 2024… even when reducing him down. The poor Ole Miss center had no chance trying to block back on him. pic.twitter.com/lVsfX8q4jO
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) June 28, 2025
While McCoy was out injured, Hood took advantage of the spotlight. He is also an impressive press cornerback, checking a lot of boxes as a football player, both in pass coverage and run defense.
The New York Jets trade the No. 43 selection to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the No. 53 and the No. 99 selections
If he is able to stay healthy, Banks has Pro Bowl upside from his defensive tackle position. He has unreal explosiveness and morement skills for a player who is around 6-6 and 330 pounds.
If he puts it all together, Florida DT Caleb Banks (#88) has the upside to be a top five player in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Rare athlete for his size (listed 6-6, 325 pounds).
It’s an aggressive comp, but there is a lot of Chris Jones in his game. pic.twitter.com/dogExl731g
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) April 30, 2025
Trotter’s game is eerily similar to his father’s but with a bit more modern range. This is a starting MIKE linebacker on the next level with great eyes and some real pop in his pads.
Missouri LB Josiah Trotter (#40) is a ton more athletic than some will give him credit for. There’s requisite range and closing speed to make plays in space/pursuit. pic.twitter.com/r38BMXKn9w
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) March 26, 2026
Round 3, Pick 96: Trey Zuhn III, IOL, Texas A&M
While Zuhn played mostly as a left tackle for Texas A&M, several NFL teams view him as a center on the next level. Zuhn also played some at that spot for the Aggies this past season, showing comfort while handling the position.
Round 3, Pick 99: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma
Lost among a terrible Oklahoma offense, Burks actually played some quality football last season. While he isn’t the biggest wide receiver, he plays stronger through contact than you’d expect and has some impressive speed and explosiveness to work with.
Round 4, Pick 103: Kaleb Proctor, DT, SE Louisiana
Proctor was a man amongst boys during his final season on the FCS level. He is a very explosive athlete on the interior who possesses a tremendous first step and explosiveness to finish plays as a pass rusher.
SELU DT Kaleb Proctor (#2) is a late round-PFA to know in the 2026 class. Undersized interior pass rusher (6’1 3/8”, 281 LBs, 33” arms) but plenty of twitch and closing speed.
Has recorded 8.5 TFLs and 6 sacks so far in 2025. Had some flash plays against LSU several weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/CfaNxTjHxN
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) October 30, 2025
Round 4, Pick 140: Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah
In many ways, Bentley’s game is eerily similar to Vance McDonald’s. Bentley is a dense tight end with some surprising tools as a pass catcher. There is a ton of upside to tap into.
Utah TE Dallen Bentley (#88) went into 2025 with just 11 catches for 134 yards and 2 TDs in his career (2022 at Snow College).
The 264-pound pass catcher hauled in 48 receptions for 620 yards and 6 TDs this season. He’s a late breakout with a unique skill set to develop. pic.twitter.com/za2WzJzO9u
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) February 20, 2026
Round 5, Pick 179: Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana
Black brings an unorthodox running style, but he is extremely efficient. He should provide value as an early down runner, and he would help that value tremendously if he could show anything in the passing game.
Round 7, Pick 228: Jack Strand, QB, MSU Moorhead
Coming from the D2 level, Strand is a physically impressive quarterback with some legitimate arm talent. It is a big jump in competition, but the tools are enticing for any prospective NFL team.
Minnesota State Moorhead QB Jack Strand held some borderline draftable grades from the NFL heading into the season. His combination of size (6’3 5/8”, 238 LBs, 10” hands) and arm strength will certainly get him a look in a camp.
Leads D2 football with 42 TD passes in 2025. pic.twitter.com/5ZtlxFKtyc
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) November 29, 2025
Round 7, Pick 242: Mason Reiger, EDGE, Wisconsin
If not for his injury history, a lot more people would be talking about the former Louisville transfer. He is an explosive athlete with real upside as a pass rusher if he can stay healthy.
New York Jets News
What is the worst-case scenario for the New York Jets with the No. 16 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft class?