The New York Jets have set themselves up to have what they hope is a quick rebuild after trading away cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams last season. Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, New York has four picks in the top-44 (including No. 2 and No. 16), but an NFL legend is cautioning the team to make the right choices.
"If they use the picks wisely, this could give them a foundation for years to come," Pro Football Hall of Fame head coach Jimmy Johnson said to ESPN's Rich Cimini when asked about the Jets' upcoming draft. New York has two first-round picks in 2026 and they will have three such picks in 2027, but Johnson believes that quality is more important than quantity.
"The key is not getting the picks. The key is picking the right players," Johnson said, per Cimini, continuing the theme of New York not taking as many risks just because they have more draft capital to use. "It's like the old saying: Money coming from gambling easily disappears. Money from hard work continually grows. So you can't be risky with those picks just because you've got extra."
As of this writing, the Jets are projected to take Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese second overall pick and Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. 16th overall, according to NFL Mock Draft Database, which aggregates multiple mock drafts to compile the picks most likely associated with New York.
If the Jets were to select Reese and Cooper Jr., they would be addressing their needs for more pass-rushing and more pass-catching for quarterback Geno Smith.
Cimini notes in his piece that less could sometimes be more as the last three teams to have eight total picks in the first round and second round in back-to-back drafts did not benefit from the extra draft capital.
While the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and Cleveland Browns couldn't take advantage of their opportunity, general manager Darren Mougey and New York's front office could buck that trade if they listen to Johnson's advice.
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 offseason.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets cautioned by NFL legend Jimmy Johnson to use draft picks wisely