Jets Linked to Incredibly Risky Move That Just Might Work

The New York Jets have a plethora of needs up and down their roster this offseason, and fortunately, they have the cap space to fill some of those holes.

That's assuming free agents actually want to play for the Jets, of course.

New York might have to ultimately rely heavily on the NFL Draft to fix some of its biggest problems, and luckily, the Jets own two first-round picks and four selections over the first couple of rounds.

So who could New York potentially target?

The Jets may end up taking one of the many pass rushers available at No. 2 (Rueben Bain seems to be a rising possibility), but they also have the 16th pick, as well.

Is quarterback the decision there? Or is New York not entirely enamored with Ty Simpson or Trinidad Chambliss? Or maybe the Jets nab a wide receiver to put alongside of Garrett Wilson?

There are many avenues Gang Green can explore with their second first-rounder, and Michael Nania of Jets X-Factor has suggested a very interesting — and risky — possibility: Tennessee Volunteers cornerback Jermod McCoy.

"For a Jets team that just finished a season with zero interceptions and 36 passing touchdowns allowed, allocating two first-rounders to the pass defense might be necessary to get their talent level back up to par for an NFL organization," Nania wrote. "It cannot be overstated how far away the Jets’ defensive depth chart is from competency."

McCoy may very well be the most talented cornerback in this year's draft class, but he comes with a major caveat: he missed all of 2025 due to a torn ACL.

The Tennessee product is definitely a boom-or-bust type of pick. He racked up 44 tackles, four interceptions and nine passes defended in 2024, but there is reasonable doubt concerning his ability to recapture that level after such a major injury.

"A ball hawk like McCoy could be extremely intriguing to the Jets, who are desperate for one in their secondary," Nania added. "Their primary starting corner in 2025, Brandon Stephens, allowed an 8-to-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio on throws into his coverage."

But can New York afford to take a risk like this, especially if corners like LSU's Mansoor Delane and Clemson's Avieon Terrell are still on the board at No. 16?

We'll see what the Jets decide to do.

Jets Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Jets. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.