Jets 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: team trades the No. 2 pick for a massive haul, solidifies an elite safety duo with Minkah Fitzpatrick

The latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft adds some insane talent to the New York Jets.

Ryan Roberts National College Football Writer
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Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A&M wideout KC Concepcion (WO16) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

With free agency on the horizon, all 32 NFL rosters are going to look quite a bit different in the near future. That includes the New York Jets, an organization that is in desperate need of some new energy and identity. On top of free agency, the 2026 NFL Draft will also offer head coach Aaron Glenn and the front office a chance to add much-needed talent.

In my latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft, the fun began right at the top with a trade back for the Titans. From there, it was about finding value with their 12 overall selections. Even with the addition of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, that is not going to deter their mission of taking the best player available. Here is quite the haul for the Jets.

The New York Jets trade the No. 2 selection to the Kansas City Chiefs for the No. 9, the No. 29, the No. 40, and the No. 74 selections 

Round 1, Pick 9: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State 

A safety in the top ten isn’t typically a great value, but in this class, drafting good football players is preferred. Downs has a very specific role in the NFL, but he has the talent to excel near the line of scrimmage, similarly to what Budda Baker has done with the Arizona Cardinals. 

Round 1, Pick 16: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson 

At 6-2.5 and 300 pounds, Woods is a ball of chaos in the middle of a defense. If he lands with the correct defensive coordinator, the former Clemson star has a chance to develop into one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, and quickly. 

Round 1, Pick 29: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M 

Outside of Garrett Wilson, the Jets don’t have a ton of passing game weapons. Concepcion brings legitimate juice after the catch, a welcome addition to the wide receiver room. 

Round 2, Pick 33: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma 

The NFL loves talented pass rushers, even if they’re a bit undersized. Thomas isn’t a perfect prospect, but there is a ton to like with his ability to get after the quarterback. 

Round 2, Pick 40: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State 

Johnson has been one of the bigger risers in the 2026 cornerback class during the season. There just isn’t a major flaw in his game, which should provide him an opportunity to contribute early in his NFL career. 

Round 2, Pick 44: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

Long, twitchy, and loose, Brazzell has some impressive tools to work with. The Jets don’t have this skill set on the roster right now, which will be a huge help for whoever is the team’s quarterback of the future. 

Round 3, Pick 74: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

Nussmeier didn’t take the step in 2025 that was projected, but he still has some intriguing arm talent. His biggest question mark is going to be about his frame and durability. He will need to fill out effectively to eventually develop into a starting quarterback. 

Round 4, Pick 103: Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest 

One cut and go, Claiborne has some of the very best speed in the 2026 running back class. An outside zone running scheme would be best for Claiborne, where he has easy upside as a committee runner. 

Round 4, Pick 139: Trey Zuhn III, OL, Texas A&M 

Zuhn played mostly left tackle on the college level, but moving inside feels like the best for his long-term future. His fit at center may be the best outlook for Zuhn, boasting clean movement and communication skills. 

Round 5, Pick 179: Matthew Hibner, TE, SMU

While Hibner never quite broke out as some had hoped, he is still a very talented tight end who also brings a solid floor to the table. There is a legitimate argument that Hibner’s best football is still very much in front of him. 

Round 7, Pick 237: Nyjalik Kelly, EDGE, UCF

Long and explosive, Kelly certainly has some intriguing upside at the position. He is still very raw, so pairing him with good coaching will be important. 

Round 7, Pick 241: Jack Strand, QB, MSU Moorhead

A big, strong-armed quarterback, Strand tore up the D2 level over the last couple of years. It’s uncertain how easily his skill set will translate, but it’s worth a late dart throw.