{"id":871799,"date":"2026-04-22T10:18:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T10:18:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/871799\/"},"modified":"2026-04-22T10:18:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T10:18:16","slug":"espn-mock-draft-gives-jets-4-home-run-selections-to-start-2026-nfl-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/871799\/","title":{"rendered":"ESPN mock draft gives Jets 4 home run selections to start 2026 NFL Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New York Jets need Day 1 contributors<\/a> in the 2026 NFL Draft, a major reason why it remains unlikely they’ll take a quarterback with one of their top four picks on Thursday and Friday night.<\/p>\n

While some insist a player like Alabama’s Ty Simpson<\/a> could still be in play at No. 16 or No. 33, a player who won’t see the field next year doesn’t make sense for a Jets team that is trying to win in 2026. Head coach Aaron Glenn’s job likely depends on it.<\/p>\n

New York needs to find players who have a shot at starting for this team on Week 1 and will make an impact on the field.<\/p>\n

If their class turns out anything like the most recent mock draft from ESPN draft expert Jordan Reid,<\/a> you would be hard-pressed to find a better outcome with those first four picks. <\/p>\n

Jordan Reid’s mock draft is the perfect start to the 2026 NFL Draft for the Jets<\/p>\n

To kick things off, Reid has the Jets taking Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, passing on Texas Tech’s David Bailey.<\/p>\n

“Reese is an interchangeable player with explosive power who has the ability to be a high-caliber starter at either linebacker or edge rusher. The Jets are in the early stages of their rebuild and searching for foundational players. Reese fits that vision, as he’s a defender they can build a scheme around.”<\/p>\n

Jordan Reid<\/p>\n

Rather than opting for the perceived higher floor with Bailey, the Jets turn to Reese,<\/a> whose the ultimate defensive chess piece that can play multiple roles for New York. Rushing the passer, defending the run, pass coverage, you name it. Reese can do it.<\/p>\n

At No. 16, the Jets go for upside once again with Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, making a much-needed addition to their wide receiver room.<\/p>\n

“The Jets desperately need a WR2 opposite Garrett Wilson. Tyson’s versatility and strong hands complement Wilson well, as both are dependable route runners who can gain yards after the catch. There are scouts who believe that Tyson is the most talented receiver in this year’s class and would be a top-10 pick if not for the injury concerns.”<\/p>\n

Jordan Reid<\/p>\n

Tyson may just be the biggest boom-or-bust prospect in the entire incoming class. Despite having WR1 upside, his laundry list of injuries may drive some teams away.<\/a> If the Arizona State prospect can stay healthy, he could give the Jets an elite one-two punch with Garrett Wilson.<\/p>\n

At the top of Round 2, Reid has the Jets addressing the safety position with Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, giving them a hopeful long-term starter on the back end of their defense.<\/p>\n

“The Jets didn’t record an interception last season and need a young playmaking safety. McNeil-Warren is a physical defender who is at his best when playing closer to the line of scrimmage even though he can play sparingly in the high post.”<\/p>\n

Jordan Reid<\/p>\n

New York doesn’t have many starting options when it comes to the safety position. It seems like Minkah Fitzpatrick will mostly be utilized as a nickel cornerback,<\/a> leaving a brigade of Dane Belton, Andre Cisco, and Malachi Moore to lead the way.<\/p>\n

McNeil-Warren may give the Jets the most upside of any player in the bunch, and would be a great pickup at No. 33. Most mock drafts have him as a late first-round pick.<\/p>\n

Finally, at No. 44, the Jets get the least likely of the four to be a Day 1 starter in Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge. He’ll certainly have a chance to compete for a starting gig in training camp, but he’s the long-term plan at guard nonetheless.<\/p>\n

“Few blockers play with more forcefulness and intensity than Rutledge, who would bring an edge to a Jets team that needs it. He’s capable of playing all three positions on the line, and his physicality flashes on tape.”<\/p>\n

Jordan Reid<\/p>\n

After losing Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson in free agency, the Jets pivoted to Dylan Parham,<\/a> who’s certainly a serviceable interior offensive lineman. If Rutledge can come in and have a good summer, he could start at left guard and kick Parham to center, or incumbent center Josh Myers to the bench.<\/p>\n

With a haul like this on the first two days of the 2026 NFL Draft, Jets fans would be jumping for joy. Hopefully, the class will shake out a little bit like this on Thursday night.<\/p>\n

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