NY Jets Post-Combine 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Massive trade back stockpiles impact defenders, adds more offensive weapons
The latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft gives the New York Jets a defensive makeover and some offensive playmakers.
The New York Jets are in a very important offseason right now, needing a huge season under head coach Aaron Glenn. This is a roster that is desperate for difference-making talent, which is where the 2026 NFL Draft fits into this conversation. The team needs to hit on their selections, as well as find some value throughout the seven rounds.
In my latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft, the priority was fixing the defense by any means necessary. After an early trade back, the Jets were then able to add some impact playmakers on offense, as well. It ended up being a really impressive draft haul, if I do say so myself.
Round 1, Pick 2: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The former Stanford pass rusher is the best in the 2026 class at getting after the quarterback. His combination of explosiveness and length really offers a ton of upside on obvious passing downs. As he continues to improve against the run, Bailey has a chance to develop into one of the best EDGE defenders in the league.
The New York Jets trade the No. 16 and No. 175 overall selections to the Los Angeles Rams for No. 29, No. 61, and a 2027 second round selection
Round 1, Pick 29: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
At 6-6 and 330 pounds, Banks is an elite athlete from his defensive tackle position. Banks has never quite put it all together due to inconsistency and injury, but there is still a lot of upside to tap into. This could end up being a huge steal for the Jets if Banks develops well.
Round 2, Pick 33: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Garrett Wilson is one of the very best wide receivers in the NFL, but that Jets room needs some serious upgrading otherwise. At 6-4 with impressive ball skills, Boston would give the offense impact size that the wide receiver group lacks right now.
Round 2, Pick 44: Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona
Stukes has experience playing both nickel and safety for Arizona. There are also some NFL teams that are intrigued about the potential of playing outside cornerback, as well. Inside, however, offers the biggest upside for Stukes on the next level. His upside is immense.
Round 2, Pick 61: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
The organization likes second-year pro Mason Taylor a good bit, but the athleticism and upside of Trigg might just be too good to ignore. He is a freaky athlete who still has some skeletons in his closet to answer. If a team is comfortable with Trigg, you just might be getting a future starter.
Round 4, Pick 103: Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin
There is a good chance that Demmings ends up going a bit higher than this, but the Jets aren’t going to complain. Demmings is an extremely physical cover corner with explosiveness and long speed to project favorably as a developmental starter on the next level.
Round 5, Pick 178: Lander Barton, LB, Utah
If not for the long list of injuries, Barton potentially would have gone much earlier than this. He is a versatile linebacker who should fight for an important role on special teams. This is the type of player who sticks on a roster for several years.
Round 7, Pick 239: J’Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia
The former NC Central star wasn’t on many people’s radar going into the 2025 college football season. His toughness as a runner, as well as contact balance, however, have firmly put him in a position to get drafted.
Round 7, Pick 243: Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana
While Proctor is a bit undersized, he has some impressive explosiveness. Even if he never becomes a full-time starter on the NFL level, his slipperiness could give him a role as an interior pass rusher.
New York Jets News
Jets face nightmare quarterback scenario in ESPN projection that paints troubling picture for 2026
That’s not the ideal outcome for New York.
