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ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.: What the Jets land in final 2026 NFL draft mock
TL;DR
Mel Kiper Jr. has released his final mock for the 2026 NFL draft, predicting the New York Jets will make significant moves with their four picks at Nos. 2, 16, 33, and 44. The Jets are expected to select three defensive players and one offensive player under quarterback Geno Smith.
ESPN NFL draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has released his final mock for the 2026 NFL draft. As is an annual tradition for Kiper, this one extends to the second round.
In the first two rounds of the upcoming draft, the Jets are set to make a lot of noise. New York heads into the event holding four selections at Nos. 2, 16, 33 and 44.
In Kiper's prediction, the Jets hold onto on four of them. With those picks, three defensive players are taken and just one for the team's new-look offense with quarterback Geno Smith now leading the way.
Getting right into it, here's how the Jets fared in Kiper's final 2026 mock draft:
Round 1
Oct 25, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive end David Bailey (31) pressures Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Noah Walters (12) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
No. 2: David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech
I get the sense the Jets will take production over potential here in the great Bailey vs. Arvell Reese debate. New York was 31st in sacks last season with 26. It was 27th in pressure rate at 28.8%. Something has to change, and bringing in a player who led the FBS in pressure rate (20.2%) and tied for the lead in sacks (14.5) last season could do the trick. Bailey would be an instant-impact player off the edge for the Jets.
No. 16: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
After going defense at No. 2 with David Bailey, the Jets should take a look at the receiver class at No. 16. Just look at the depth chart. There's Garrett Wilson (coming off a knee injury) and then … Adonai Mitchell? Isaiah Williams? No one on this team hit 400 receiving yards last season, and the Jets still haven't added another receiver this spring. It won't matter if it's Geno Smith, Ty Simpson or Joe Namath under center if the Jets can't find more pass-catching threats. Cooper had 937 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.
Round 2
Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen (3) looks on during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
No. 33: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Allen is a three-down 'backer who always seems to be around the ball because he anticipates so well. He racked up 97 tackles last season and flashed as a blitzer with 3.5 sacks. The Jets brought in Demario Davis this offseason, but he's 37.
No. 44: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
The Jets aren't much better in that CB department. After all, they intercepted zero passes last season. I like Cisse's awareness in coverage, and he's fast to the football. He had only two interceptions in college, but he did have 12 pass breakups.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.: What the Jets land in final 2026 NFL draft mock
Q&A
What picks do the New York Jets have in the 2026 NFL draft?
The New York Jets hold four picks in the 2026 NFL draft: Nos. 2, 16, 33, and 44.
How many defensive players are predicted to be selected by the Jets in the 2026 NFL draft?
Mel Kiper Jr. predicts that the Jets will select three defensive players in the 2026 NFL draft.
Who is the starting quarterback for the Jets as they head into the 2026 NFL draft?
Geno Smith is the starting quarterback for the New York Jets as they approach the 2026 NFL draft.
What is Mel Kiper Jr.'s role in the NFL draft process?
Mel Kiper Jr. is an NFL draft analyst known for providing insights and predictions about player selections in the NFL draft.