Two of the New York Jets‘ biggest needs this offseason are star power on defense and a new face in the quarterback room.
Luckily for Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey, they’re uniquely positioned to land those prospects with their two first-round picks in the top 16 selections.
With all of the turmoil surrounding the Jets this offseason (see the debacle that has been their search for new coordinators and assistant coaches), New York’s braintrust must instill optimism in ownership and the fanbase to warrant a return in 2027.
In the latest mock draft from The Athletic, Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman have the Jets landing two players who would certainly provide an injection of talent and hope for 2026.
Jets Select Arvell Reese No. 2 Overall in Mock Draft
With the No. 2 overall pick, The Athletic projects Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese to the New York Jets.
“If a chance to select a quarterback presents itself later in the first round, New York should be ready. But the Jets need so much and can start here by taking the best player available. Reese has traits that are awfully reminiscent of what we’ve seen from Micah Parsons,” wrote Baumgardner and Dochterman.
While Reese’s pass-rushing skills are highlighted in the excerpt of the mock draft, the best thing he may be able to provide the Jets is his run defending capabilites.
According to PFF, Reese was one of the best run-stuffers in college football this past season, stonewalling rushers 18 times and only missing two tackles.
The Jets, who boasted one of the league’s worst run defenses in the NFL this past season, could certainly use that talent off the edge.
They gave up 139.5 rushing yards per game to opponents, the 28th-worst among 32 teams.
Reese would provide an immediate upgrade in that department, and he can refine his pass-rushing skills as his time in the league progresses.
Jets Select Ty Simpson No. 16 Overall in Mock Draft
Thanks to the Sauce Gardner trade, the New York Jets select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 16 overall pick in place of the Indianapolis Colts.
“This is a bit higher than where the Giants selected Jaxson Dart last year, but the idea would be similar,” continued Baumgardner and Dochterman.
“Simpson has high-level potential as a processor plus arm talent and legit athleticism. His level of experience is incredibly low for a potential first-round QB, though, so a complete scouting effort will be necessary.”
Comparing the Simpson pick to how the New York Giants handled Jaxson Dart, the Alabama quarterback likely wouldn’t be the starter Week 1, but may have a chance to play later in the season.
Simspon showed some incredible flashes throughout the 2025 college football season, and early on, there were even conversations about being a top draft pick.
But some middling play later in the season dropped his stock, which is why in most recent mock drafts he’s a mid-to-late first-round selection.
If Glenn and Mougey are looking to save their jobs, getting a young, talented quarterback would go a long way in proving themselves as the right men for the job to turn the Jets around.
Getting him on the field and making him look like a productive NFL quarterback may go even further.
Jets Mock Draft Lands Franchise-Altering Players on Offense & Defense