Jets predicted to land starters at four different positions in latest ESPN mock draft

The New York Jets, entering the 2026 NFL Draft, have a ton of ammo to resolve their biggest needs. Even after a very active free agency and trade period to open the offseason, the Jets have work to do.

Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey could still use another edge rusher, wide receiver, cornerback, and interior defensive line help as they rebuild the roster.

And in the latest mock draft from ESPN's Field Yates, this time a two-rounder, the Jets land starters at four different positions of need, headlined by two often-linked players to the Jets in the first round.

Jets mock draft lands EDGE, CB, WR, DT help

At pick No. 2, Yates has the Jets landing David Bailey, the Texas Tech edge rusher who had 14.5 sacks last season. As Yates writes, "But it (the Jets) should still draft for value at this spot."

Bailey has a case as the best defensive player in this class, and as an edge rusher, one who was very productive in college and a better scheme fit than Ruben Bain Jr., this fit makes a ton of sense for the Jets.

Then, down the board at No. 16, the Jets are predicted by Yates to draft USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. The 5-foot-11, 192-pound receiver would be a fun pickup to pair next to Garrett Wilson.

"For the Jets, Lemon's firepower is necessary to take some attention away from Garrett Wilson," Yates writes. Lemon is a great option at No. 16, and would be a no-brainer for New York this year.

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To kick off Round 2 of this mock draft from Yates, the Jets are predicted to draft Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood. He is a great option to replace Sauce Gardner long-term, and would be a nice 33rd overall pick for the Jets.

"Hood is an explosive corner who shows up against the run and brings good ball skills along with his 4.44 speed," Yates writes.

Lastly, Yates predicts that Georgia defensive tackle Christian Miller will be the 44th pick and last of the first two rounds for the Jets. With Quinnen Williams gone, the Jets could use a more pass-rusher-oriented defensive tackle.

"Miller is a brick wall at 6-foot-4, 321 pounds, using his length to get his arms up in passing lanes and his strength to help collapse the interior of the pocket," Yates writes.

If the Jets could come out of the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft with David Bailey, Makai Lemon, Colton Hood, and Christian Miller, it would be a major coup for the Jets.

Those are starters at edge, wide receiver, cornerback, and defensive tackle, all of which are needs and holes to fill for the Jets this offseason.

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