Jets Add Star Edge Rusher, Talented WR in Round 1 NFL Mock Draft

New York Jets focus on defense and offense with top picks in 2026 NFL Draft

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:03pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in shades of green, blue, and orange, conceptually representing the dynamic action and energy of an NFL draft or football game.The Jets' bold moves in the 2026 NFL Draft could reshape the franchise's future with a new generation of star talent.Los Angeles Today

In a recent NFL mock draft, the New York Jets are projected to select Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the 2nd overall pick and USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Jets are rebuilding through the draft after trading away key defensive players Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams.

Why it matters

The Jets are in a full rebuild mode and need to find impact players on both sides of the ball to turn the franchise around. Selecting an elite edge rusher and a top wide receiver in the first round would give their next quarterback the best chance at success.

The details

In the mock draft, the Jets are projected to take the explosive and athletic David Bailey, an edge rusher from Texas Tech, with the 2nd overall pick. Bailey is considered more polished and ready to contribute as a rookie compared to Ohio State's Arvell Reese. With the 16th overall pick, the Jets are expected to select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, who had a breakout junior season and would pair with Garrett Wilson to give the Jets a formidable receiving duo.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in late April 2026.

The players

David Bailey

A star edge rusher from Texas Tech University who is projected to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Makai Lemon

A talented wide receiver from the University of Southern California who had a breakout junior season and is expected to be a first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Garrett Wilson

The New York Jets' current top wide receiver, who would form a strong receiving duo with the addition of Makai Lemon.

Sauce Gardner

A former cornerback for the New York Jets who was traded to the Indianapolis Colts as part of the Jets' rebuild.

Quinnen Williams

A former defensive tackle for the New York Jets who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys as part of the Jets' rebuild.

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What they’re saying

“In a draft class loaded with quality edge rushers, the explosive and athletic Bailey comes off the board first thanks to a résumé loaded with production.”

— Nick Shook, NFL.com Analyst

“What's better than having one No. 1 receiver? Having two No. 1 receivers.”

— Nick Shook, NFL.com Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft order will be finalized in the months leading up to the event, and teams will continue to evaluate prospects and make preparations for their selections.

The takeaway

The Jets are clearly focused on rebuilding through the draft, targeting an elite edge rusher and a top wide receiver in the first round to give their next franchise quarterback the best chance at success. These picks would address two of the team's biggest needs and set them up for a potential turnaround in the coming years.