As we approach the big day, Nathan Jahnke of Pro Football Focus has posted a last minute mock draft that has the Jets focused on defense.

Reese was a unique player at Ohio State, splitting snaps nearly evenly between edge rusher and off-ball linebacker. He recorded 34 defensive stops and 27 pressures in his final season. The Jets defense wasn’t a strength last season, but the unit has already been reworked, with six potential new starters added through free agency and trades. Reese could become the center of that defense.

The Jets traded away Sauce Gardner midseason, leaving them with the second-lowest team coverage grade. Brandon Stephens was the only Jets cornerback to play more than eight games last season. New York added Nahshon Wright in free agency after his one season as a starter with the Chicago Bears.

While the Jets could target a wide receiver, it is more likely they address cornerback here and save wide receiver for another round, given the depth at the position in this class. McCoy missed the 2025 season with an ACL injury but was excellent in 2024, earning an 89.6 coverage grade. He allowed a 50% completion rate when targeted against SEC wide receivers.

I would have to disagree that it’s “more likely” the Jets will wait until the second round to address wide receiver than at pick 16. Of course it’s possible, but receiver is a glaring need, and Jordyn Tyson and Omar Cooper are both on the board in this mock as the Jets make their selection.

Much of free agency was geared toward building the defense for the Jets. Of course so much depends on how the board falls, but I have to say I’d be a bit surprised to see them use both of their first round picks on that side of the ball as well.

I also think using the pick the team received from the Colts for Sauce Gardner on a cornerback propsect and one who missed the entire season with a torn ACL at that would raise some eyebrows.