New York Jets trade back twice, remake the defense, and land a developmental QB in latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft
New York Jets land an insane haul in the latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft.
The New York Jets are heading into a pivotal second season under head coach Aaron Glenn. This is a roster that lacks overall talent in a big way, both on the offensive and defensive sides of the football. That makes the 2026 NFL Draft paramount for this front office to add difference makers to this team.
In my latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft, the goal was simple: Take as many good football players as possible without obsessing over positions of need. The roster is way too poor to obsess over getting that micro. In this particular simulation, I was also afforded the opportunity to trade back twice.
It ended up being a tremendous haul.
Round 1, Pick 2: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
No matter if you see Reese as a linebacker or a defensive end on the next level, he offers Pro Bowl upside. Players at 6-4 and 245 pounds just shouldn’t be this explosive and powerful. The former Buckeye star has the chance to become a difference maker relatively early in his career.
Round 1, Pick 16: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Going into the 2025 season, most expected Woods to be a top-10 draft pick in April. Unfortunately for the Clemson defender, he didn’t have the season most expected. At 6-3 and 315 pounds, Woods is still a big-time talent who can become a game wrecker down the road.
The Jets traded the No. 33 selection to the Tennessee Titans for No. 35 and No. 126
Round 2, Pick 35: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
If not for the late-season ACL injury, Bell would be a near lock to be a first round selection. At over 6-1 and 227 pounds, he is an explosive athlete who brings big-time upside after the catch. 2026 could end up being a bit of a redshirt season, but the Jets could have a huge steal in the future.
The Jets traded the No. 44, and a 2027 fifth round selection to the Indianapolis Colts for No. 47 and No. 78
Round 2, Pick 47: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
Ramsey has become a very underrated member of the 2026 class, but he has the upside to become a plus starter on the NFL level. He has experience playing all over the secondary, including in the slot. That versatility offers a lot of possibilities for a prospective secondary.
Round 3, Pick 78: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
Coleman had a sluggish end to the 2025 season due to an injury, but beforehand, he looked like a completely different football player. Possessing a dense frame with outstanding contact balance, Coleman has the look of a lead back on the next level. With Breece Hall potentially leaving in free agency this offseason, there is a need to upgrade the backfield with talent.
Round 4, Pick 103: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
During the course of his Duke career, Rivers had experience both on the outside and in the slot. The latter is the best position for Rivers in the long term, where his combination of quickness and tenacity would fit great. Rivers would be a great addition to any secondary.
Round 4, Pick 126: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
From a physical perspective, Payton has some fun upside to work with. A one-year starter coming from the FCS level, however, is a daunting jump to make. A prospective NFL team has to be patient with Payton and hope that the 6-2.5, 229-pound dual-threat signal caller develops well.
Round 5, Pick 175: Lewis Bond, WR, Boston College
Bond feels like this year’s slot receiver who finds a way to stick in the NFL for several years. The former Boston College standout is just an average athlete, but his ability to find soft spots against zone and run sharp routes is anything but average. There is upside as a chain mover on money downs.
Round 5, Pick 178: John Michael Gyllenborg, TE, Wyoming
2025 was a down season for Gyllenborg, who entered the year with a ton of fans. While that year wasn’t his best, he is still an extremely impressive athlete for a player his size. There is underlying talent to tap into here, even if he never offers much in the running game.
Round 7, Pick 239: Wesley Williams, EDGE, Duke
Williams had a down 2025 season compared to the previous, but the former Duke standout still offers some intrigue on the next level. At around 6-3 and 270 pounds, Williams is a strong defensive end who has some untapped potential as a pass rusher. That size and developmental upside will give Williams a chance to earn a spot with his impact on special teams.
Round 7, Pick 243: Anez Cooper, IOL, Miami
Cooper is a massive offensive guard who brings a lot of upside as a pass protector to the table. With a lack of flexibility, his impact in the run game can be a bit inconsistent, which limits his upside. His raw size and physicality, however, should give Cooper the floor to find a roster spot.
NFL Draft
Jonah Coleman 2026 NFL Draft: scouting report for Washington, RB
How high should former Washington running back Jonah Coleman go in the 2026 NFL Draft?
