The New York Jets are set to enter the 2026 NFL Draft with an unusually large amount of draft capital. The team currently holds the second overall pick, along with selections at Nos. 16, 33, and 44, giving New York more picks inside the top 45 than any other team in the league.
While the Jets have multiple premium selections at their disposal, much of the attention is focused on how they will use their most valuable asset: the No. 2 overall pick. Positioned at the very top of the draft board, New York has a strong opportunity to add a true franchise cornerstone.
The central question for the Jets is how they will use the second overall pick. In his latest mock draft, NBC Sports draft analyst Eric Froton projected New York to select Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, one of the premier prospects in the class.
“Carnell Tate (6-3/195) emerged in 2025 as one of college football’s cleanest and most efficient perimeter separators, turning 67 targets into 51 receptions for 875 yards (17.2 YPR) and nine touchdowns with a 76.1% catch rate,” wrote Froton. “With polished ball skills, pro-ready route pacing, downfield economy, and no glaring usage red flags, Tate projects as a high-floor, high-efficiency NFL X/Z hybrid who can step into a starting role early.”
GettyWR Carnell Tate.
Deeper Look at Tate
Tate is considered one of the top prospects entering the draft and is widely viewed as the No. 1 wide receiver in the class. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2026 big board, Tate is ranked as the top wide receiver and the ninth overall prospect.
“Tate produced big plays on a regular basis, averaging 17.2 yards per catch this season. He is a precise route runner, has great hands and displays outstanding body control. And he’ll also happily block for ball carriers, which NFL coaches love to see,” wrote Kiper.
If the Jets add Tate to the roster, he would join star wide receiver Garrett Wilson, likely stepping in as the team’s WR2 immediately. The pairing would give New York a dangerous wide receiver duo, especially notable given that both players starred at Ohio State.
GettyTate would likely immediately become the WR2 on the Jets.
Why WR is a Need
Yes, the Jets have several holes on the roster that still need to be addressed. While the team could certainly choose to go in a different direction with the No. 2 overall pick instead of selecting a wide receiver, there is clear logic behind targeting one that high.
New York has a significant hole at the WR2 position, and drafting a prospect like Tate would immediately address that need. The Jets saw firsthand how important it is to have multiple reliable receiving options, as the passing game struggled when Wilson was injured for much of the season.
Wilson, who appeared in just seven games, still led the team in receiving yards during the 2025 season with 395 yards, highlighting the lack of production and depth at the position.
It will be important for the Jets to address the WR2 slot to help out whoever the Jets next starting quarterback might be.
GettyIf the Jets don’t take a WR at pick 2, they can address the position at pick 16.
Jets Projected to Draft Ohio State Wide Receiver With No. 2 Pick