New York Jets overhaul the defensive line, and add multiple passing game weapons in latest 7-round NFL mock draft
The latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft gives the New York Jets some answers to the biggest question marks on their roster currently.
The New York Jets are in the middle of a very important offseason under head coach Aaron Glenn. This is a team with a lack of overall talent on the roster right now, and they seriously need an injection of younger talent.
The 2026 NFL Draft will offer the Jets a huge opportunity to add some much-needed impact talent. This is an organization with several selections inside the top-50, which should give them an immediate bump. It’s an impact that they greatly need.
In my latest 2026 7-round NFL mock draft, I wasn’t worried as much about prioritizing need. This is a roster that needs to improve all over the place. Best player available was the name of the game.
Round 1, Pick 2: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The Jets run a 3-4 defense, making for a really intriguing scheme fit for Reese. He has the ability to play either as a stacked linebacker or off the edge as a standup rusher. That versatility provides the defense with a ton of upside and possibilities.
Round 1, Pick 16: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Lemon is a bit of a size-speed outlier at the wide receiver position, but it is hard to ignore the film he has put out there over the last two years. His combination of route running nuance, after the catch ability, and toughness through contact makes him a very appealing option to pair with Garrett Wilson.
Round 2, Pick 33: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
At 6-3 and 327 pounds, McDonald is a tough player to handle at the point of attack. His overall power profile and natural leverage allow him to become a tremendous asset in the running game. Any impact he provides as a pass rusher is just an added bonus.
Round 2, Pick 44: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Young is a very interesting player, having the length and explosiveness to become a tremendous pass rusher. Yet, Young is a tremendous run defender who is still a bit of a question mark on obvious passing downs. That floor will give Young a role while the rest of his game develops.
Round 4, Pick 103: Jalen Farmer, OG, Kentucky
If you love physicality on the interior, then you will love Farmer. Hidden on a poor Kentucky offense, Farmer is one of the better power scheme blockers in the 2026 class. He could fight for playing time early in his NFL career.
Round 5, Pick 140: Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington
Like his teammate Tacario Davis, Prysock is an extremely interesting combination of size, length, and movement skills. If Prysock can become more consistent with his technique, then he has a chance to develop into a valuable contributor down the road.
Round 6, Pick 179: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
After becoming a valuable contributor for Oklahoma State previously, Stribling became a tremendous weapon for Ole Miss this past season. He is a sturdy pass catcher with an underrated impact after the catch and the ability to play through contact.
Round 7, Pick 228: Matthew Hibner, TE, SMU
Hibner didn’t quite take the leap in 2025 that many anticipated, but there are still plenty of tools to work with. He is a very smooth athlete with untapped receiving upside, while also being one of the better blocking tight ends in the class.
Round 7, Pick 242: Jack Strand, QB, MSU Moorhead
Making the jump from the D2 level to the NFL isn’t going to be easy, but Strand has the frame and arm strength worth trying to develop. If Strand isn’t able to stick, nobody is going to be mad about a developmental seventh rounder that didn’t work out.