Jets Projected to Pull Off Ohio State Double-Dip in 2026 NFL Draft

The New York Jets have two picks in the first round of the 2026 National Football League Draft and plenty of chances to add.

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

Who will come to town for the New York Jets in the upcoming 2026 National Football League Draft?

Fortunately, the fanbase won't have to wait much longer to find out. At this point, the NFL Draft is just over three weeks away. New York has the No. 2 and No. 16 picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. On top of this, New York has two picks in the second round as well. For the Jets, it's going to be important to add depth for the pass rush and a big-time wide receiver. After that, simply add the best player available at each pick. New York has done a good job adding talent throughout the offseason so far but there obviously is room for growth after going 3-14 in 2025.

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein dropped a new mock draft on Tuesday that certainly should have Jets fans' attention and predicted that New York is going to nab Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 2 and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 16.

This would be a dream for New York

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"GM Darren Mougey has loads of draft capital and should be allowed the runway to build his squad. Reese is an unpolished diamond, but the Jets can take a swing on the upside," Zierlein said of Reese.

From there, Zierlein predicted a steep slide for Downs, who some have even said could be the best overall prospect in the draft class.

"Downs' slide stops with the Jets, who should be overjoyed to add a culture player offering a tremendous competitive nature and the ability to play strong safety and some nickel," Zierlein wrote.

ESPN has Downs as the No. 2 overall prospect in the draft class. If somehow he falls all the way down to No. 16, this would be a no-brainer of a move for New York. ESPN has Reese at No. 3 and he has been one of the most prominent players linked to New York for the No. 2 pick.

Rumors surfaced insinuating that Downs could have a knee issue, which has sparked the chatter about him dropping in the draft class. He completely shut down the idea of "a potentially degenerative ACL" issue.

Last month rumors circled that Caleb Downs has "a potentially degenerative ACL." Later reports called that false.

Today he addressed the rumors - "That's not what my medical said... I'm going to continue to do me. I can't control that or what people say."@WLWT pic.twitter.com/tFiNN0elag

— Jaron May (@jaron_may) March 25, 2026

New York should be looking for a receiver at No. 16, but if Downs is on the board, you take him. This shouldn't be considered likely at this point. But, again, if he's somehow out there for the taking at No. 16, it would be a no-brainer of a move for New York.