ESPN insider shares firm Jets answer on Ty Simpson at No. 16 in NFL Draft

The New York Jets own the No. 2 and the No. 16 overall picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. While the No. 2 pick is a hotly contested debate between Arvell Reese and David Bailey, the No. 16 pick is a lot more open-ended.

Wide receiver looks to be the favorite with the No. 16 pick, but there is still some uncertainty about which player might be the pick at that spot. But what about Alabama's Ty Simpson, someone who's been linked to the Jets often this offseason?

According to ESPN's Matt Miller, the Jets plan at No. 16 overall when it comes to Simpson received a very firm answer from someone in the Jets scouting department. That answer? A firm "No."

Ty Simpson receives 'no' from Jets at No. 16

"A source in their scouting department told me the ideal situation with their two first-round picks 'is edge and then getting a wide receiver,'" Miller reports. "... When asked if Simpson was in consideration here (No. 16), I received a quick 'no' in reply."

The Jets don't look likely to take Simpson with the No. 16 overall pick at all. While it never seemed like a possibility, this report seemingly confirms that.

But, as Miller notes, the Jets might reconsider taking the Alabama quarterback with the 33rd overall pick in Round 2, when the Jets won't have to use a premium asset.

More: Jets predicted to trade up for Ty Simpson like Giants did for Jaxon Dart

While Simpson might still come to the Jets, whether it's in Round 2 or in a trade-up back into the first round, it's not looking likely with the No. 16 pick in the draft.

Miller is predicting the Jets are going to draft a wide receiver, specifically Omar Cooper Jr., out of Indiana, with the 16th overall pick.

Getting this firm "no" from someone associated with the Jets' scouting department about Simpson being the pick at No. 16 overall is a clear indication of where the team stands.

Geno Smith will be the starter next year, and while a rookie quarterback might join the team, it's not looking likely to be in the first round, and especially not at picks Nos. 2 and 16.

More Jets news:

• Aaron Glenn announced Geno Smith as Jets starting QB for 2026
• Zachariah Branch would be ideal round 2 fit for Jets
• Jets ideal pick at No. 2 overall is Arvell Reese out of Ohio State
• Aaron Glenn believes Geno Smith can lead Jets to 'the promised land'
• Garrett Wilson named Jets most overpaid player