Jets 'ideal' first round picks are 14.5-sack edge and 11-TD wide receiver

The New York Jets have two first-round picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, selecting No. 2 overall with their own pick, and at 16th overall thanks to the Indianapolis Colts pick from the Sauce Gardner trade.

Following an active offseason of trades and free agent signings, the Jets' needs are clear. More pass rusher help, another wide receiver, and a quarterback are among the clear top needs for New York this offseason.

ESPN's Jordan Reid identified two players that the Jets could realistically land that would be the "ideal" for Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey in the upcoming draft: a 14.5-sack edge rusher and an 11-touchdown wide receiver.

Jets 'ideal' first-round picks include USC WR, Texas Tech edge

With the second-overall pick in the first round, Reid named Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey as the ideal pick. And at 16th overall, USC wide receiver Makai Lemon would be Reid's "ideal" pickup for the Jets.

"In search of foundational pieces, the Jets should take two players who can be impactful right away," Reid writes. "A highly productive player off the edge, Bailey's explosive get-off is something this pass rush lacks. And for help opposite Garrett Wilson, Lemon is a steady option who could move inside to the slot."

The Jets need both of these positions, and being able to bring both to the roster this April would be a huge boon for the Jets in the first round.

And, while not technically official, the Jets are about as guaranteed as can be that they'll be able to land Bailey with the second overall pick.

He's a commonly mocked player to the Jets, and for good reason. He's a great fit and is essentially guaranteed to be there for the Jets at No. 2 overall.

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Fernando Mendoza is almost a lock to be the Las Vegas Raiders' pick at first overall, leaving the Jets with their pick of the rest of the draft board. Bailey, a pass rusher who had 14.5 sacks this past season, would be a great player to add to Glenn's defense.

Lemon making it to 16th overall is a bit of a question mark. WRs might fly off the board in this draft, but there is a decent chance that Lemon does fall a little if there are other positions, like offensive line, that go on a run.

The USC slot receiver had 11 touchdowns with 1,156 yards on 79 receptions last season. He's a good player and would be a great pickup alongside Bailey in this draft class.

If the Jets come out of round one with both Bailey and Lemon, it would be hard to view this haul as anything other than the "ideal" return for the Jets in the first round.

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