2026 NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets grab quarterback

Q: Who did the New York Jets draft in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The New York Jets drafted quarterback Ty Simpson from Alabama with the 16th overall pick.

Q: What was the New York Jets' record before the 2026 NFL Draft?

The New York Jets finished the 2025 season with a record of 3-14.

Q: Why did the Jets select Ty Simpson as their quarterback?

The Jets selected Ty Simpson to signal a boom-or-bust philosophy as part of their effort to overhaul a struggling roster.

Q: Who was the Jets' first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Jets' first pick was linebacker Arvell Reese from Ohio State, selected second overall.

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 1: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up prior to a game against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

The New York Jets entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear objective: overhaul a roster that sputtered to a 3-14 finish. After securing the cornerstone of their defense at No. 2, the front office stunned the league at No. 16 by selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson—a move that signals a boom-or-bust philosophy for the franchise’s future.

The Foundation: With the second overall pick, the Jets took the safe route by selecting Arvell Reese, the standout linebacker/edge hybrid from Ohio State. Reese, a consensus All-American, is widely viewed as a positionless weapon who can instantly elevate a Jets defense that allowed nearly 30 points per game last season. Standing 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds with 4.46 speed, Reese is the blue-chip athlete the Jets desperately needed to anchor their front seven.

The Gamble: While Reese was the consensus choice, the decision to take Ty Simpson at No. 16 is already being labeled a massive reach. Despite having only 15 collegiate starts, Simpson showcased elite potential in 2025, throwing for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns. However, many analysts projected him as a late first-round or even second-round prospect due to his limited experience and unpredictable draft stock. By jumping on Simpson at 16, the Jets bypassed higher-rated prospects to secure their signal-caller of the future. It is a pick born of necessity; with the Arizona Cardinals reportedly eyeing Simpson as a successor to Kyler Murray, the Jets couldn’t afford to wait.

The Jets are betting that Simpson’s high ceiling—combined with Reese’s immediate defensive impact—will finally stabilize a franchise in desperate need of a new identity. The New York Jets’ 2026 draft strategy isn’t just about adding talent; it’s the final phase of a calculated, painful teardown. Following a gut-wrenching 2025 season, the front office executed a total roster purge, trading away veteran pillars and high-priced contracts to stockpile the draft capital used to secure both Reese and Simpson.

This scorched-earth approach was designed with a clear two-to-three year window in mind. By clearing the books and moving on from aging stars, the Jets prioritized flexibility over immediate wins. However, that plan only works if there is a cornerstone under center. In today’s NFL, you cannot rebuild without a heartbeat at quarterback, making the selection of Simpson at No. 16 an absolute necessity rather than a luxury. While critics call taking Simpson at 16 a reach, the Jets view it as a mandatory investment. Simpson provides the raw, high-ceiling arm talent required to lead a young roster that will now grow together. By pairing the defensive ferocity of Reese with the potential of Simpson, the Jets have officially laid the foundation. The roster may be thin today, but the blueprint for 2028 is now firmly in place.