New York Jets 2026 NFL Draft: Picks by round, biggest needs, best fits

TL;DR

The 2026 NFL Draft for the New York Jets begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh, with the team's primary need being a quarterback. Geno Smith returns as a bridge quarterback, but the Jets may consider waiting for a QB until next year's draft.

Key points

2026 NFL Draft starts on April 23 in Pittsburgh
New York Jets need a quarterback
Geno Smith is the current quarterback

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Pittsburgh

New York Jets2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the New York Jets, the biggest need is an obvious one: Quarterback.

The Jets brought back Geno Smith for a reunion in the Big Apple, but the 35-year-old Smith is a bridge quarterback at this juncture of his career. Still, he's an upgrade from what the Jets endured last year, despite the fact that he led the league with 17 interceptions last season with the Raiders. The Jets could join a list of multiple teams that could wait on a QB until next year's draft.

MORE: Biggest need for every team entering 2026 NFL Draft

Here's everything you need to know about the New York Jets for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster.

New York Jets NFL Draft best prospect fit: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly:

New York spent a lot on defense in free agency to lift the floor of the unit as a whole, but still needs productive edge rushers. Bailey is as good as it gets in this class as far as getting to the quarterback goes and would instantly help a turnaround for the Jets' pass rush.

NFL DRAFT: Finding the perfect prospect for every team