2026 New York Jets Mock Draft: 7-Round Projection
Draft Capital: 12 picks | Overall Grade: B+ Last Updated: December 30, 2025Executive Summary
New York Jets enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 12 selections and critical needs at Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Outside Linebacker. This mock has them addressing their biggest weaknesses while maintaining draft value.
Complete Draft Class:---
Complete Pick-by-Pick Analysis
Pick #3 - New York Jets: Dante Moore, Quarterback, Oregon
Rank: #12 overall | Grade: A- | Need Match: âââââ Why This Pick:Cleveland addresses their most glaring need by landing Jordyn Tyson, the consensus WR1 in this draft class who wins through technique and nuance rather than raw athleticism. Despite an injury history that's shown up in each of the last three seasons, Tyson's 67% contested catch rate and ability to dominate from any alignment make him worth the medical risk. The Browns are betting his Keenan Allen-like skill set translates immediately.
The Fit:Tyson's advanced route-runningârefined under the tutelage of Hines Wardâand exceptional body control give Cleveland a true alpha receiver who can operate as the primary target in any passing attack. His versatility to thrive from slot or boundary and his dangerous YAC ability make him an ideal fit for a team seeking offensive identity. The injury concerns are real, but when healthy, he led all Power Four receivers in yards over the final eight weeks of 2024.
Scouting Report:If Dante Moore was off the board, New York Jets could target similar Quarterbacks in the first round range.
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Pick #18 - New York Jets: Makai Lemon, Wide Receiver, USC
Rank: #20 overall | Grade: A- | Need Match: âââââ Why This Pick:The Jets double-dip on offense by taking Makai Lemon to address their receiver need with pound-for-pound the toughest pass-catcher in this class. Lemon's spatial awareness, tackle-breaking prowess, and fearlessness working the middle of the field give New York a reliable chain-mover who won't wilt against physical coverage. This pick addresses an immediate need with a player who contributes from day one.
The Fit:Lemon's in-space playmaking and exceptional contact balance fit perfectly as a complement to whatever receiving corps the Jets assemble. His nuanced route-runningâselling routes with violent steps and cuts that freeze defendersâcreates separation without elite long speed. The limited catch radius and struggles against press-man corners are developmental concerns, but his Golden Tate/Amon-Ra St. Brown comparison speaks to his YAC upside.
Scouting Report:If Makai Lemon was off the board, New York Jets could target similar Wide Receivers in the first round range.
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Pick #34 - New York Jets: Caleb Banks, Defensive Line, Florida
Rank: #33 overall | Grade: B | Need Match: âââ Why This Pick:The Giants finally address their top need by selecting Colton Hood, a Tennessee corner who has emerged as one of the SEC's most feared coverage specialists after transferring from Colorado. Hood's two pick-sixes in 2025âincluding a scoop-and-score that earned SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Weekâdemonstrate the playmaking ability New York desperately needs. Through five games, he allowed just four catches on 17 targets for 32 yards.
The Fit:Hood's sound technique in both man and zone coverage gives New York a corner who can execute whatever scheme the defense calls. His film study shows up in his route recognition, while his competitive nature at the catch point creates turnover opportunities. The NFL bloodlinesâhis uncle Roderick played eight years professionallyâsuggest the tools for development are present, even if his limited 22-game college experience creates projection risk.
Scouting Report:If Caleb Banks was off the board, New York Jets could target similar Defensive Lines in the second round range.
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Pick #46 - New York Jets: Deontae Lawson, Inside Linebacker, Alabama
Rank: #45 overall | Grade: B | Need Match: âââ Why This Pick:Minnesota takes the best player available in Deontae Lawson despite inside linebacker ranking eighth on their needs list. Lawson's decision to return from his 2024 season-ending injury rather than enter that draft showed character, and his role as Alabama's defensive signal-caller demonstrates the leadership teams covet. The Vikings are gambling that his processing skills and tackling pop translate despite the injury history.
The Fit:Lawson's alpha communication skillsâhe commanded Alabama's defense with the green dotâgive Minnesota an immediate leader in the middle of the field. His patience before firing downhill and sophisticated hand usage to defeat blocks create a high-floor defender, even if his sideline-to-sideline range and block-shedding consistency raise questions about every-down upside. The Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah comparison is aptâhe's a moving parts coordinator whose instincts overcome athletic limitations.
Scouting Report:If Deontae Lawson was off the board, New York Jets could target similar Inside Linebackers in the second round range.
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Pick #104: Domani Jackson (Cornerback, Alabama) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #175: CJ Fite (Defensive Line, Arizona State) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #178: Chris Johnson Jr (Cornerback, San Diego State) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #196: Malachi Lawrence (Edge Rusher, UCF) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #205: Aaron Anderson (WRS, LSU) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #212: Xavier Nwankpa (Safety, Iowa) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #218: Sabastian Harsh (Defensive Line, NC State) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #239: Wes King (IOL, Wyoming) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential.---
New York Jets Draft Class Summary
Overall Grade: B+ What Went Right:---
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