Jets predicted to take 1st-round QB in 2026 NFL Draft

The New York Jets have to solve the quarterback position eventually.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. thinks the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is as good a time to do so as any.

The Jets have two picks, and in Kiper's new mock draft unveiled Tuesday, he has them use the No. 2 overall selection on edge rusher David Bailey out of Texas Tech.

Then things get interesting at the 16th spot, which the Jets got from the Colts in the Sauce Gardner trade.

There, Kiper projects a selection of Alabama QB Ty Simpson.

Simpson wouldn't have to start right away. The Jets traded to get Geno Smith last week, and the veteran can fill in as a bridge quarterback for as long as the Jets need him to.

Eventually, Simpson could take over.

"The Jets don't have to draft a quarterback here," Kiper writes. "They traded for Geno Smith as a bridge option and have three first-round picks in 2027, when the QB class should be a lot better. But this is a good range for Simpson, who has only 15 career starts but throws with accuracy, processes quickly and moves well in the pocket. He threw 28 touchdown passes in 2025 and is a first-round QB in my book."

MORE: Why the Kansas City Chiefs traded for Justin Fields

Kiper then delves a little bit into the philosophy here, essentially that the Jets have to be trying something to work out their QB woes.

"Simply put, New York has to take some swings to figure out the long-term solution under center," Kiper writes. "I could see the Jets drafting Simpson and letting him learn and develop a little behind Smith before he moves into the starter role."

If the Jets don't draft Simpson, there is plenty of other talent on the board to grab at the 16th pick.

Simpson, though, is the guy who has the potential to grow into a face of the franchise. It's just a matter of how much the Jets believe in him.

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