Here are three prospects the New York Jets must consider if general manager Darren Moougey decides to not take a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With five weeks left in the 2025 NFL regular season, the New York Jets are now slowly shifting their focus toward the 2026 NFL Draft.
At 3-9, the Jets are currently in the race to land a top-five pick in the upcoming draft, with many fans speculating that general manager Darren Mougey will use one of two first-round picks on a quarterback.
However, there have been multiple reports recently that indicate the struggling franchise could kick its quarterback issue to the future. This would allow Mougey to build up his roster this offseason and give his future franchise quarterback a perfect situation on offense.
If the Jets decide not to target a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, here are three names to keep an eye on prior to the big day.
Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
What’s better than having one Ohio State wide receiver? Two!
The Jets’ current wide receiver corps outside of Garrett Wilson is completely decimated, with John Metchie III and AD Mitchell leading the charge. While both young playmakers are showing promise, it’s clear that New York’s offense would greatly benefit from an additional playmaker.
Tate may not have any elite traits to his game, but the star wide receiver has proven to be one of the best receivers in this year’s draft class. This season, the junior pass catcher has recorded 793 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, while playing in nine games in 2025.
If New York ultimately decides to pass up a quarterback in the upcoming draft, a combination of Wilson and Tate would make for a perfect dynamic duo through the air for the organization’s next franchise quarterback.
Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
Switching over to the defensive side of the ball, LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane could fill the void left by former star defender Sauce Gardner.
After transferring from Virginia Tech this past offseason, Delane has quickly risen to an elite status throughout 2025, finishing the regular season with 34 tackles, nine pass breakups, and two interceptions. The senior defensive back is technically sound in both man and zone coverage, while also fitting the aggressive style of play that head coach Aaron Glenn loves on defense.
Despite his lack of quickness, Delane is projected to be a top-15 pick in the 2026 draft and could eventually turn into a stout cornerback at the NFL level.
Kayden McDonald (IDL, Ohio State)
Looking at a prospect that the Jets could target with their second first-round pick from the Gardner trade, Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald is one name to keep an eye on this offseason.
McDonald saw the field a decent amount during the Buckeyes’ historic National Championship run last season as a key rotational piece. This year, with the program losing its entire starting defensive line to the NFL, the senior lineman has seen his draft stock skyrocket through 12 games, recording 34 tackles, eight quarterback hurries, and two sacks.
With star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams being traded during the 2025 NFL Trade Deadline, McDonald would provide pressure from the interior on New York’s defensive line, something the team has missed since the departure of Williams.