NFL Draft's most interesting teams: How do the Jets use their picks to push along their rebuild?

We’re taking a look at teams that could define the 2026 NFL Draft in the buildup to the event, whether through their multiple first-round picks, intriguing status as a franchise, prime pick position and more.

Other interesting draft teams: Dallas Cowboys | Los Angeles Rams

The New York Jets made a decision last season. They were starting over.

The Jets made two huge trades with arguably their two best players, sending cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Colts and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys. Rebuilds are difficult, but the Jets got a first- and second-round picks this year and two first-round picks in 2027 from those trades.

But, this is the Jets. Can they actually turn those picks into foundational players?

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The approach to the draft is complicated by uncertainty about head coach Aaron Glenn. Glenn went 3-14 in his first season coaching the Jets, and while he got a second season, he turned over the coaching staff. He hired 10 new assistants including a new offensive and defensive coordinator. When that happens, the next one to go if things don’t work out is the head coach.

It’s hard to draft with a multi-year plan when your head coach is clearly on the hot seat. But the Jets need to get it right, with four picks in the top 44 including second overall.

Jets have extra picks to add talent

The silver lining for the Jets is no matter which position they pick, it will fill a need. Except perhaps running back. Breece Hall got the franchise tag there. Offensive tackle is also in good shape after the team used two straight first-round picks on the position.

Everything else could be an option. The Jets signed some short-term answers, especially on defense, but they need more permanent solutions. That includes quarterback.

Usually, having the second pick of the draft would offer some options at quarterback. That’s not the case this year. The Jets are one of many teams that will wrestle with taking a player like Ty Simpson early, or punting at quarterback until the deeper 2027 NFL Draft. Using the second overall pick on Simpson would be beyond shocking, but the Jets are back on the clock with No. 16. That might be feasible if Simpson is still available. They also have the 33rd overall pick and while there’s no guarantee Simpson would be there to start the second round, New York could trade back up into the first round if Simpson falls a bit.

Without a clear-cut QB option at No. 2 overall, what do Aaron Glenn and the Jets do? (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

(Chris Graythen via Getty Images)

The problem with drafting a quarterback like Simpson is it likely puts that team out of the mix for any 2027 quarterback in the draft. A team could do what the Cardinals did and take Kyler Murray a year after using the 10th overall pick on Josh Rosen, but that’s a terrible use of resources. Whoever drafts Simpson is probably investing a few years into him. Unless the Jets are completely sold, they’d probably be better off riding out this season with Geno Smith, who was acquired for very little in a trade this offseason.

And by passing on quarterbacks early in this draft, the Jets can get a head start on making sure their 2027 quarterback will have a better supporting cast around him.

Difficult decisions starting at No. 2

Even drafting the best available player at No. 2 presents some challenges due to Glenn’s future.

As pointed out by Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice and Charles McDonald on the “Football 301” podcast, Ohio State linebacker/edge defender Arvell Reese — who Tice and McDonald mocked to the Jets at No. 2 — is a versatile player who fits in many schemes, but Glenn doesn’t really move players around in his scheme. Reese might not be a great fit for Glenn, but do the Jets worry about that considering Glenn is already on the hot seat? It’s an odd spot to be in. The same conundrum goes for any player the Jets take.

But the Jets will have opportunities to take good players at picks 2, 16, 33 and 44. Edge rusher and cornerback are two huge needs. Young talent at safety and linebacker would help. They need a receiver to go alongside Garrett Wilson and some interior offensive line depth. There’s a lot to work on. That’s why it’s good to have all those picks. It will also allow the Jets to see if Glenn can develop some young talent, because all four of those picks should be playing a lot this season.

There hasn’t been a lot of fun on the field for the Jets and their fans in many years, but reimagining the roster with all the extra draft picks over the next two drafts is exciting. It’ll be even more exciting if the Jets take advantage of this opportunity.