New York Jets add a developmental QB, find dynamic playmakers on both sides of the football in latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft
The latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft gives the New York Jets difference makers on both sides of the football.
With the 2025 NFL season finally coming to an end, all eyes are now on the 2026 NFL Draft. The New Jets head into a really fascinating offseason under head coach Aaron Glenn. With questions surrounding the quarterback position, as well as holes all over the roster, the Jets have a lot of work to do over the next few months. Figuring out those answers could make or break the tenure under Glenn.
In my most recent 2026 NFL mock draft, finding an immediate answer for the quarterback dilemma didn’t happen. Instead, it was about filling as many holes in the roster as possible. That was accomplished at a very high level, if I do say so myself.
Round 1, Pick 2: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
You aren’t going to find many athletes who have the physical skills to play MIKE, WILL, SAME, or on the edge on the next level. If given a creative defensive coordinator, Reese has the chance to become an All-Pro player. There is no limit to just how good he can become.
Round 1, Pick 16: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Garrett Wilson is a tremendous football player, but the Jets need to continue to add more passing game weapons. Lemon is going to be labeled an outlier by some, while I am going to just call him a tremendous wide receiver. Whoever the quarterback ends up being long-term, you now have a dynamic duo of pass catchers.
Round 2, Pick 33: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Some people are going to label McDonald as “just a nose tackle”, but that would be silly. At 6-3 and 326 pounds, he is a stellar run defender who makes everyone around him better. If the pass rushing question marks do knock McDonald a bit down the board, it could end up being a massive steal, quite literally.
Round 2, Pick 44: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
Ponds is a tiny outside cornerback who has the long speed and movement skills to overcompensate for his outlier size. That size might push Ponds inside, where his instincts and tenacity would be a tremendous fit. Ponds is a player that I wouldn’t bet against being that outlier who can stick outside in a pinch.
Round 4, Pick 103: Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
Johnson was one of the breakout stars in college football this season. While his long speed is just ordinary, he has some notable vision and short-area movement skills that he brings to the table. Johnson feels like a mid-round investment who could become a valuable member of a committee approach.
Round 6, Pick 175: Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech
At over 6-3 and 215 pounds, the former North Dakota State All-American is an extremely unique blend of size, physicality, and movement skills. While he has spent most of his time at safety during his college career, Wisniewski has the body type to eventually develop into a linebacker. That versatility is a huge bonus to an NFL defensive coordinator.
Round 6, Pick 178: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
At over 6-2 and 229 pounds, Payton is an intriguing athlete at the quarterback position. His passing instincts and processing are a major work in progress right now. Landing with a good coaching staff that can develop Payton’s raw skills will be key.
Round 7, Pick 238: Wesley Williams, EDGE, Duke
Williams had some strong 2024 film, but didn’t take the jump many hoped he would last season. He is a strong EDGE who has a solid floor as a run defender if he develops properly. The key will be to get the most out of his pass rush potential.
Round 7, Pick 242: Reggie Virgil, WR, Texas Tech
The former Miami (Ohio) standout has an intriguing blend of straight-line speed and length. Virgil will need to continue to add weight to his frame and power to his core to make the jump. Betting on traits this later in the draft is never a bad investment.