New York Jets cash in on overthink, add numerous difference makers on defense in latest 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft

The New York Jets were one of the biggest winners in the most recent 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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The New York Jets are still at the beginning of what will end up being a very important offseason for this organization. With head coach Aaron Glenn heading into his second season, this is a Jets team that is desperately in need of identity and an injection of overall talent. The 2026 NFL Draft will offer this team the chance to increase its talent pool in a big way.

In our latest 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft over at A to Z Sports, we did our best to improve the fortunes of all 32 NFL teams. As a part of the exercise, I was tasked with improving the Jets with their four selections inside the top 45 picks. The attention immediately went to the defensive side of the football, as well as adding an impressive passing game weapon. This ended up being perhaps the best mock draft I have seen for Glenn and Co.

With the No. 2 overall selection, I had the Jets select Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese. They are going to have their choice of the top three defenders in this class, but the versatility of Reese ended up winning out. Here is what I wrote about that potential fit.

2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

The Jets need to find an identity on the defensive side of the football. No easier solution than a player who can play four different positions, and be a Pro Bowler at three of them. Arvell Reese can do anything and everything the Jets want him to on defense.

From there, the Jets capitalized on some massive overthink. At the No. 16 overall selection, Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate was still on the board. That is a “run the card to the podium” situation for the Jets. Here was my analysis for that steal of a selection.

16. New York Jets (via IND): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

If Carnell Tate is somehow here, the Jets should sprint to the podium. He is a tremendous outside wide receiver with a ton of upside. Tate reminds me a lot of Robert Woods in a more athletic body.

I will see you one massive steal, and show you another – quite literally. With the No. 33 overall selection, Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks was still on the board. That didn’t take long for me to opt for the 6-6, 330-pound behemoth. After Banks, Day Two ended with San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson. If the Jets were able to leave with Banks and Johnson to conclude it, every fanbase should be extremely excited.

Final New York Jets draft haul

  • Round 1, Pick 2: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
  • Round 1, Pick 16: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
  • Round 2, Pick 33: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
  • Round 2, Pick 44: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

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