Jets trade back multiple times, overhaul the defense, add offensive weapons, and a developmental QB in 7-round NFL mock draft

In the latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft, the New York Jets plug several holes with a remarkable overall haul.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) blocks Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The New York Jets are in a very important offseason. Head coach Aaron Glenn enters a potential make-or-break in 2026, so acing the next couple of months is extremely important. The 2026 NFL Draft is extremely vital for it to be considered a success or create even more skepticism.

In my latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft, trying to plug as many holes as possible was the most important. Along the way, there were multiple trades that made sense for the Jets. It was a wild ride, but it eventually led to an insane overall haul.

Round 1, Pick 2: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

I am almost ready to write down Reese’s name in pen for the Jets at No. 2 overall. Whether you like him more at linebacker or on the edge, his upside is undeniable. For a creative defensive coordinator, Reese has a chance to be special.

The New York Jets trade the No. 16 selection to the Seattle Seahawks for the No. 32, the No. 64, the No. 96, and a 2027 fourth round selection

The New York Jets trade the No. 32 and the No. 179 selection to the Arizona Cardinals for the No. 34 and the No. 104 selection

Round 2, Pick 33: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

Johnson is one of the easiest evaluations in the 2026 cornerback class. He is a very instinctive cover man with good overall athleticism. There’s a good chance that Johnson could come in to start immediately.

Round 2, Pick 34: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

At 6-2 and 222 pounds, Bell is a rare athlete from an explosiveness perspective. If not for his torn ACL during this past season, there would have been a good chance for Bell to go inside the top-20 selections, which makes him a big value.

Round 2, Pick 44: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

At 6-3.5 and 320 pounds, Hunter is a massive interior presence who is difficult to move at the point of attack. His first step is also a lot better than people would think, bringing some legitimate upside as a penetration ability from the nose tackle position.

Round 2, Pick 64: Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona

Stukes has spent a ton of time in the slot for Arizona over the last couple of years, but his skill set could also translate well to safety, as well. There are even some NFL teams that think Stukes could play outside cornerback. That type of versatility is pretty rare on the back end.

Round 3, Pick 96: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

From a physical perspective, Dennis-Sutton has all the tools you would ever want. For whatever reason, he just never put it together in a Penn State uniform. At this point in the draft, Dennis-Sutton is more than worth a solid dart throw.

Round 4, Pick 103: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State

Payton has some really intriguing overall traits, but making the jump from the FCS with limited experience is a tall task. For a team that can be patient, the long-term payback for Payton could be immense.

Round 4, Pick 104: Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU

Possessing tremendous speed and range on the second level, Elarms-Orr is one of the more underrated linebackers in the 2026 class. If he can round out his game, there is some legitimate upside as a starter on the next level.

Round 4, Pick 140: Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah

Bentley is a very intriguing player who still has a ton of developmental upside to work with. A stocky athlete at 264 pounds, he moves well, bringing some mismatch potential to create some big plays.

Round 7, Pick 228: Travis Burke, OT, Memphis

At around 6-9 and 325 pounds, Burke is a massive offensive tackle with some physical gifts that will bring a ton of intrigue. Burke is pretty stiff, which could limit him from developing into a starter down the road, but the size and tenacity also will bring a solid floor.

Round 7, Pick 242: Chase Roberts, WR, BYU

Roberts has a bigger frame but plays the style of a smaller wide receiver. While he isn’t flashy, the former BYU star is very efficient.

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