Jets Could Pull off Rare 'Triple Dip' During NFL Draft

ESPN's Ben Solak believes the New York Jets could target multiple wide receivers in the 2026 NFL draft.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:48am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented New York Jets football game, with players and the field broken down into abstract shapes and planes of green, white, and black.The Jets' aggressive draft strategy aims to rebuild their receiving corps through a 'triple dip' at the position.Notre Dame Today

The New York Jets are in need of help at the wide receiver position, and ESPN's Ben Solak believes they could pull off a rare 'triple dip' by selecting three wide receivers in the 2026 NFL draft. Solak suggests the Jets could look to address the position early, in the middle rounds, and even with a third selection, potentially targeting players like Makai Lemon, Omar Cooper Jr., Elijah Sarratt, Malachi Fields, or Ja'Kobi Lane.

Why it matters

The Jets were 3-14 last season, so they have multiple needs to address in the draft. While loading up on wide receivers may seem aggressive, it could make sense if the team views the position as a priority and believes they can find value throughout the draft.

The details

ESPN's Ben Solak believes the Jets could target wide receivers with their first-round pick at No. 16, as well as in the middle rounds. Solak suggests the team could look to add a 'big-bodied outside receiver' in the middle rounds to complement star wideout Garrett Wilson. The Jets have nine picks in the 2026 draft, so using a third of them on pass catchers would be an ambitious but potentially justifiable strategy.

  • The 2026 NFL draft will take place in April.

The players

Makai Lemon

A wide receiver prospect from USC who could be an option for the Jets in the 2026 draft.

Omar Cooper Jr.

A wide receiver prospect from Indiana who could be an option for the Jets in the 2026 draft.

Elijah Sarratt

A wide receiver prospect from Indiana who could be a middle-round target for the Jets in the 2026 draft.

Malachi Fields

A wide receiver prospect from Notre Dame who could be a middle-round target for the Jets in the 2026 draft.

Ja'Kobi Lane

A wide receiver prospect from USC who could be a middle-round target for the Jets in the 2026 draft.

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What they’re saying

“'No. 16 is way more interesting. Wide receiver seems the targeted position, with Makai Lemon (USC) and Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana) as the likely options. I think receivers are always easier to find in the middle rounds than other positions, so the Jets should look hard at guard (if Penn State's Olaivavega Ioane makes it to them) or corner (neither Brandon Stephens nor Nahshon Wright have locked up starting roles)'”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst

“'With that said, the Jets' current WR2 is Adonai Mitchell, and WR3 is probably 2025 fourth-rounder Arian Smith. A double-dip at the position is almost inevitable; a triple-dip would even be justified. The Jets should look for a big-bodied outside receiver in the middle rounds to free up Garrett Wilson for more slot reps — think Elijah Sarratt (Indiana), Malachi Fields (Notre Dame), or Ja'Kobi Lane (USC)'”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst

“'Exiting draft meetings, Washington Huskies receiver Denzel Boston has received a lot of buzz. He seems to be a lock to end up in the first round, and several teams rank him as the fourth receiver on their boards. The range for Boston starts at 16 with the New York Jets, whom he will visit on Saturday, and extends to the New England Patriots at 31'”

— Tony Pauline, NFL Insider, Essentially Sports

“'I'm told the Jets have first-round grades on the following receivers: Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, and Boston. While the team does like wideout Omar Cooper, and some have mocked the IU wideout to the Jets at 16, I'm told they would not select Cooper earlier than pick No. 33, which opens Day 2. This confirms what I initially reported on April 4th'”

— Tony Pauline, NFL Insider, Essentially Sports

What’s next

The Jets will host Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston for a visit on Saturday as they continue to evaluate their options at the position ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.

The takeaway

The Jets' aggressive approach to addressing their wide receiver needs in the 2026 draft, potentially using multiple early and middle-round picks on the position, highlights their commitment to surrounding young quarterback Zach Wilson with top-tier pass-catching talent. While a 'triple dip' may seem excessive, the team's willingness to be bold in the draft could pay dividends if they are able to find high-impact players at a position of significant need.