TJW: Jets Mock Draft 1.0

Edition #1054: This is later than usual, but here is my first attempt at a mock draft based on what I would do, rather than what I think the Jets will do.

Good morning ☕

Due to work commitments I’ve been running behind on my prospect previews this season. But I’ve reached a point where I’ve watched enough games to form an opinion on prospects I’d like to see the Jets target come April’s draft.

I reserve the right to completely change my mind within 24 hours of writing this, and I’m sure come April I’ll have a completely different opinion. But I only tend to do two mock drafts this off-season, one today, one on draft day.

In other news the Seahawks made JSN the highest paid receiver in NFL history, handing out a 4-year deal worth $168.6M. Ridiculous money. The Jets were also linked to Russel Wilson by Rich Cimini…but the less said about that the better.

This is a long one, so grab that coffee first.

---

NEWS & NOTES

• Finally someone has linked the WR needy Jets with free agent Jauan Jennings. It was CBS’s Zachary Pereles who did the honours linking Jennings as a FA fit and Malaki Lemon as a draft fit:

  • The Jets generally patched up their entire roster with dependable veterans. A dominant edge defender is probably the true answer to their greatest “need,” but in terms of raising the floor, adding a reliable running mate to Garrett Wilson is a must. Jennings is as tough as they come and would fit well with Geno Smith. Lemon, on the other hand, could add some much-needed shiftiness from the slot.

• Rich Cimini confirmed that Aaron Glenn, Darren Mougey and Frank Reich were all in attendance at the Miami Pro Day yesterday. Carson Beck almost certainly holds plenty of interest. Rueben Bain Jr, Akheem Mesidor and Keionte Scott are the big names on defense. While Beck is joined by tackles Francis Mauigoa and Markel Bell on offense, along with WR CJ Daniels who will likely go around the 3rd-4th round range.

• Auburn, Notre Dame and Texas will all have their Pro Day’s today and there is plenty of interest from me on that Texas one, one because I’m a fan and I’m always interested to see how our guys do, but also because of the mock draft I’ve put together below.

• PFF had a new mock draft out and they had a new name for the Jets at #2 that we haven’t really heard recently:

  • #2 - EDGE - Reuben Bain Jr - Miami - With no quarterback worth the No. 2 pick, the Jets are likely to draft the best defensive player available. It could be Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey or Miami edge defender Rueben Bain Jr. In this case, New York’s front office gives head coach Aaron Glenn arguably the best defensive player in the class, measurables be damned.

    Yes, Bain has a unique build that some view as a hindrance to successful production in the NFL, but he also generates rare power for a defensive edge prospect and can toss blockers aside with one arm. Bain was dominant in 2025, finishing the season with a 92.4 PFF pass-rush grade and an 86.2 PFF run-defense grade. If he produces at a high level, it will go a long way toward building the Jets’ defense of the future.

  • #16 - OG - Olaivavega Ioane - Penn State - “The Jets will likely have a cluster of wide receivers to choose from at pick No. 33, so they take a big guard here to help build a stout offensive line for the quarterback they are presumably going to draft in 2027.

    Ioane played both right and left guard at Penn State. At left guard in 2025, he didn’t allow a sack or a quarterback hit across 311 pass-blocking snaps, powering an 87.0 PFF pass-blocking grade. Ioane’s run blocking was also good, as he finished the season with a 78.6 PFF run-blocking grade, so he can also help to improve the Jets’ poor team 59.7 PFF run-block grade in 2025.”

• They also outlined each teams best trade asset heading into the draft, and there is no surprise to see the #2 pick listed as the Jets best trade asset:

  • After another disappointing season that included multiple in-season moves, the Jets hold significant draft capital, including the No. 2 overall pick. With needs along both the offensive and defensive lines — and across the roster — they are in position to reshape the team.

    In a class rich with defensive talent and a likely top quarterback available early, the Jets could benefit from trading down. Doing so would allow them to accumulate additional picks and young talent to accelerate their rebuild.

---

DWH’s Mock Draft 1.0

Everyone else is 3-4 mock drafts deep at the moment, which means they have likely linked 4 different players to each team in an effort to be right come draft night. Never one to follow the crowd, I’m going to release only two this off-season with the final one coming on draft day.

Just a note on the mock. I used the Mock Draft Database sim because in my experience it’s usually the most accurate. PFF has a better user interface but is often extremely unrealistic in terms of player availability. Although I will say that good players have fallen far beyond where everyone expected, and others have been drafted 2-3 rounds higher than expected. So you never know.

Let’s jump straight into the action. I limited the trading but did execute two resulting in 9 players being picked in total. That’s on the larger side for a draft class but that’s just how it worked out. When you think that five different teams took 11 players in last years draft, it seems very probably considering the # of picks the Jets have.

Round 1: Pick #4 - Arvell Reese - Edge - Ohio State

Trade: Jets trade the 2nd overall pick to the Titans for the 4th overall pick, 3rd round pick, 2nd round pick in 2027 and Will Levis.

Reese could be a generational talent, that’s how high the ceiling is. But if you’re taking Reese then you have to appreciate that there is a real projection needed and the floor could be lower than you’re comfortable with at the #4 overall pick.

Saying that, the Jets need a difference maker on defense and Reese is certainly that. I don’t think there are any offensive players worthy of the #4 pick for the Jets unless they were interested in taking Love.

Reese’s production saw a big uptick in 2025 and he’s still only 20. He offers a ton of versatility for Aaron Glenn, and as good as he is now, his potential is through the roof. I like his pass-rush ability and potential more than a lot of people, but his relentless motor and pursuit will set the tone for this defense to take another step in 2026.