Jets Add Star Edge Rusher, Talented WR in Round 1 NFL Mock Draft

The New York Jets entered a rebuild at the trade deadline when they opted to trade Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts and Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a slew of top draft capital.

At this point, the Jets are seemingly building through the NFL draft, which starts with their two selections in the first round this season.

Nick Shook of NFL.com recently put together a mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft. With the No. 2 pick in the draft, Shook projected the Jets would take Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey over Ohio State's Arvell Reese.

Jets need to add a star edge rusher at pick No. 2

Nov 8, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive end David Bailey (31) rushes against Brigham Young Cougars offensive lineman Sonny Makasini (51) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images | Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

"In a draft class loaded with quality edge rushers, the explosive and athletic Bailey comes off the board first thanks to a résumé loaded with production," Shook wrote. "Aaron Glenn lands a true quarterback hunter to help his defense."

The Jets are almost certainly going to take an edge rusher at pick No. 2.

Bailey is more polished than Reese. He's likely going to have the better rookie season because he's been rushing the pass for much longer than the Ohio State product. As a result, it seems like he's the safer pick for the Jets if they want to play it conservative. Bailey would be an instant addition on defense that should push the team in the right direction as a whole.

But New York has another pick in the first round. With the No. 16 pick in the first round, Shook projected the Jets would land USC wide receiver Makai Lemon to bolster their offense, too.

Makai Lemon fits as a WR draft target for the Jets

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) celebrates with tight end Walker Lyons (85) after catching a 32-yard touchdown pass against the UCLA Bruins in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

"What's better than having one No. 1 receiver? Having two No. 1 receivers," Shook wrote. "Lemon's stock skyrocketed thanks to an excellent junior season at USC and gives the Jets a legitimate tandem at the position with Garrett Wilson."

The Jets need a wide receiver as badly as anything. They desperately need to find a running mate for Garrett Wilson if they want to give their next franchise quarterback a realistic chance at success.

Lemon is one of the more talented wide receivers in the draft class. He has the ability to make defenders miss in space while being able to run any route on the route tree with excellent precision.