2026 NFL draft: Jets make Round 1 trade in PFF mock

The New York Jets are on the move in one of Pro Football Focus' latest 2026 NFL draft mocks.

The football analytics outlet projected the Jets will stay at their top draft pick at No. 2 overall. New York selects Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese there.

The Jets enter this year's draft also holding the No. 16 pick in Round 1 as well. That next first rounder is on the move to the hometown Pittsburgh Steeles who are hosting the 2026 draft.

The Steelers have a league-high 12 picks heading into this draft and decide to move up to pick Indiana receiver Omar Cooper Jr.

Cooper is someone the Jets have been connected to pre-draft, but New York opts to not take him and instead draft Washington wide receiver at No. 21 overall--Pittsburgh's original Round 1 selection acquired in the trade.

PFF's breakdowns on both Jets picks can be found below:

Round 1, No. 2 overall: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Lots of chatter has arisen surrounding the Jets’ interest in edge rusher David Bailey at this spot. Although New York could very well opt for Bailey over Reese, I’m not sure the conversation is more than a smokescreen. Reese’s multifaceted skill set — having earned an 86.5 PFF run-defense grade with a 72.3 PFF pass-rushing mark — gives Aaron Glenn a versatile, young chess piece. Plus, taking the hybrid Reese aligns more with Glenn’s “regardless of positional value” comments.

Round 1, No. 21 overall: TRADE New York Jets: WR Denzel Boston

The run on first-round receivers continues with the Jets’ second selection. New York could opt for either Boston or KC Concepcion, but Boston’s size, separation and contested catch prowess (76.9% in 2025) would work well with star . The Jets continue to lay a strong foundation for whenever they decide to select their quarterback of the future.