After an eventful NFL Trade Deadline for the New York Jets [https://roundtable.io/sports/nfl/jets], general manager Darren Mougey [https://roundtable.io/sports/nfl/jets/news/jets-gm-darren-mougey-reveals-mindset-during-trade-deadline-fire-sale] now has a perfect opportunity to set the franchise up for success in the future during the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite losing two cornerstone players last week, Mougey and the rest of the front office now possess two first-round picks and two second-round picks for the 2026 draft. And while the big day is still far away for Jets fans, it’s never too early to look ahead at the potential prospects the organization could target. Here’s the latest edition of the New York Jets’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft. ROUND ONE, PICK NO. 5: TY SIMPSON (QB, ALABAMA) It’s clear that Mougey will be hunting for his franchise quarterback in the upcoming draft after quarterback Justin Fields’ poor campaign this season. Luckily for the front office, the answer to this issue could be Alabama standout Ty Simpson, who has established himself as a potential first-round prospect in 2026. In his first year as the starter, Simpson has thrown for 2,461 passing yards and 21 touchdowns in nine games this year. Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) on X [https://pbs.twimg.com/amplify_video_thumb/1987514942199648256/img/cS6zgbMul-ipXaTF.jpg:large] Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) on X Watch the rip through, reset and anticipation from under-center by Ty Simpson. Exceptional. [https://x.com/Jordan_Reid/status/1987515047971811637?s=20] His ability to push the ball downfield while maintaining elite accuracy makes him a perfect fit for offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, who has plenty of experience with quarterbacks who excel within structure. ROUND ONE, PICK NO. 32: CHRISTEN MILLER (IDL, GEORGIA) With star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams out of the picture, the Jets’ front four will be one of the worst in the NFL heading into next season. Georgia’s Christen Miller could fill the void left by Williams. Miller may not be an elite pass rusher from the interior, but his versatility in the trenches makes him an intriguing prospect. The redshirt junior does a phenomenal job of stopping the run, and would be a huge boost for a defense that has struggled to stop the run. Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) on X [https://pbs.twimg.com/amplify_video_thumb/1977730562405384192/img/4YxJbAnExQBlcXmR.jpg:large] Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) on X Georgia DT Christen Miller (#52) hasn't flooded the stat sheet, but he pops on tape in run defense. Loved his puller vision and stacking power on this stop. TE's head snapped back like he was in a boxing ring. Incredibly violent point-of-contact presence at 6'4", 310. [https://x.com/IC_Draft/status/1977731620720288098?s=20] ROUND TWO, PICK NO. 37: QUINCY RHODES JR. (EDGE, ARKANSAS) Continuing with the defensive line trend, Arkansas’ Quincy Rhodes Jr. could be a perfect match for a team that lacks stability in the pass rush department. After next season, both Will McDonald IV and Jermaine Johnson will become free agents. And with the duo not being able to truly establish themselves under head coach Aaron Glenn, there must be a change up front. At 6-foot-6, 275 lbs., Rhodes possesses a unique frame that is completely different from both McDonald and Johnson. This switch could be exactly what the Jets need to restore their pass rush for the future. ROUND TWO, PICK NO. 44: GERMIE BERNARD (WR, ALABAMA) If New York selects Simpson in the first round, it would make sense for the organization to pair him with his former teammate and No. 1 target at Alabama in Germie Bernard. The Jets are desperate for a second wide receiver to pair with star Garrett Wilson, and while the acquisition of AD Mitchell [https://roundtable.io/sports/nfl/jets/players/what-to-expect-from-jets-newly-acquired-wr-ad-mitchell] remains unproven, Bernard gives the offense an extra weapon. Bernard has continued to see his draft stock rise this season, as he’s recorded 605 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 41 receptions. Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) on X [https://pbs.twimg.com/amplify_video_thumb/1961910951894228992/img/7cpjkTuijfkrLIz7.jpg:large] Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) on X Germie Bernard is up to 146 yards on 8 catches today against FSU. He’s a little stiff in the hips, but he’s just gonna be a good pro, regardless. Strong, instinctive, solid RAC threat, dutiful blocker. [https://x.com/IC_Draft/status/1961921652482023508?s=20] His combination of experience with Simpson and his willingness to play both inside and outside make him a perfect fit for New York. ROUND THREE, PICK NO. 75: CHASE BISONTIS (IOL, TEXAS A&M)* *trade with Airzona Cardinals. Jets receiver No. 75 and a 2027 fifth for No. 105 and a 2027 third One issue [https://roundtable.io/sports/nfl/jets/opinion/jets-must-address-this-concerning-issue-during-2026-nfl-offseason] that has flown under the radar for the franchise is the team’s outlook on the offensive line. Former 2021 first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker is set to become a free agent after this season, and if the Jets decide not to re-sign him this offseason, Mougey must address the interior of the offensive line. Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis has made noise within the draft community this year, and a new guard up front could be exactly what New York needs this offseason. ROUND FOUR, PICK NO. 134: DAVISON IGBINOSUN (CB, OHIO STATE) Star cornerback Sauce Gardner was also part of Mougey’s huge fire sale last week, but the state of the secondary unit looks to be in good hands with Brandon Stephens, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., and 2025 third-round pick Azareye'h Thomas. Ohio State’s Davison Igbinosun would give the team an additional cornerback, and his physical style of play fits Glenn’s brand of football. ROUNDS SIX AND SEVEN Pick No. 199: Jaydn Ott (RB, Oklahoma) Pick No. 208: Drayk Bowen (LB, Notre Dame) Pick No. 214: Bud Clark (SAF, TCU) Pick No. 251: Tomas Rimac (IOL, Virginia Tech) Pick No. 253: Eric Gentry (LB, USC)
