3 Star Prospects New York Jets Could Trade Up for in 2026 NFL Draft

The New York Jets hold two selections in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft while also holding two selections in the second round. To pair with that, they have three selections in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft.

It seems like the Jets will almost certainly use the No. 2 pick in the draft on an edge rusher, either Arvell Reese or David Bailey. But it's unclear what the Jets will look to do with the No. 16 pick in the NFL draft. They could target a wide receiver or maybe even a quarterback with Alabama's Ty Simpson expected to be on the board.

The Jets could also look to trade up from pick No. 16 if they have another top 10 prospect in their sights. Who could the Jets target in a potential trade-up in the NFL draft?

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (DB34) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs could be the best player in the entire draft class this offseason. He's one of the best safety prospects of the last five or 10 years. Downs has the ability to excel in zne coverage. He can work as a nickel in the NFL if need be. There's also the fact that he's an incredible in-the-box safety. Downs has incredible instincts and the ability to play downhill, which makes his speed play even better than it does on paper. Adding him to the Jets defense would be a huge step in the right direction.

Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles speaks during the Cotton Bowl Media Day at AT&T Stadium in Dallas prior to the College Football Playoff matchup against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 29, 2025. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Jets signed Demario Davis in free agency to help bolster their linebacker room after letting Quincy Williams walk in free agency, but they could still look to land a linebacker, especially if Ohio State's Sonny Styles falls past pick No. 5. It's hard to imagine Styles will fall much further than that, but if he's available at pick No. 6 or pick No. 7, the Jets should be calling to move up. Styles is a freak athlete with generational potential. It's hard to imagine a linebacker prospect any better than he is.

Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) makes a catch for a touchdown Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, during the Big Ten football championship against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Jets desperately need a wide receiver, so if Ohio State's Carnell Tate is available after the Browns pick at No. 6, the Jets need to try to jump the New Orleans Saints in order to land him. Tate would pair perfectly with fellow Ohio State Buckeye Garrett Wilson on the Jets offense. While Aaron Glenn seems to believe the Jets are solid at wide receiver, the addition of Tate would take them to the next level. It's the boost that the offense needs in New York.