Todd McShay’s final 2026 NFL mock draft takes a surprising turn for the Jets
TL;DR
Todd McShay's final 2026 NFL mock draft predicts the Jets will select David Bailey, EDGE from Texas Tech, and Carnell Tate, WR from Ohio State, at 16. The picks reflect a cautious approach by Jets GM Darren Mougey.
Key points
- Todd McShay's final mock draft predicts Jets' picks
- Jets likely to select David Bailey from Texas Tech
- Carnell Tate projected to be picked at 16
**2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech**
Jets GM Darren Mougey is going to lean into risk aversion here, and it sounds like he views Bailey as the safer pick than Arvell Reese. Credit to Mougey and his extremely small inner circle, who have done a great job of keeping this pick quiet.
**16. New York Jets: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State**
No, Tate isn’t falling—I could see him going as high as 7 to Washington or 8 to New Orleans. But a scenario does exist where Tate slips out of the top 10, and I could see the Jets making a small move up a few spots to get him. I also believe strongly that the Jets could move back. A couple of things are striking about this mock. First, I don’t think anybody could say Bailey to the Jets would be a massive shock the way McShay is presenting it. Numerous national media members have been discussing buzz over the last few weeks about the Jets preferring Bailey to Reese. If the Jets do select the Texas Tech pass rusher, it will confirm those rumors. As far as Tate goes, it’s odd for McShay to claim that he won’t fall to 16 and then project the Jets to select him there without a trade up. I’m still sure the Jets would be delighted to have the consensus top receiver in this class fall this far given their need at the position. I wouldn’t exactly get my hopes up for it to happen, though.
Q&A
Who does Todd McShay project the Jets will select in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Todd McShay projects the Jets will select David Bailey, EDGE from Texas Tech, and Carnell Tate, WR from Ohio State.
Why is David Bailey considered a safer pick for the Jets in the 2026 NFL Draft?
David Bailey is viewed as a safer pick by Jets GM Darren Mougey due to his risk-averse strategy and the buzz surrounding Bailey's preference over other prospects.
What are the chances of Carnell Tate falling to the Jets at pick 16 in the 2026 NFL Draft?
While McShay suggests Carnell Tate may slip to 16, it's noted that he could also be selected much earlier, making his availability uncertain.
