Predicting who Jets will pick in first round of 2026 NFL Draft

The Post’s Brian Costello predicts the two players the Jets will take with their two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft which begins Thursday:

No. 2: Arvell Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio State

I understand the argument for David Bailey here, but I think the Jets are going to go with the better overall player, not the better pass rusher, and that’s Reese.

This is a dynamic talent whom Aaron Glenn can deploy in many ways on his defense.

Arvell Reese participates in drills during 2026 Ohio State Pro Day at Woody Hayes Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. Getty Images

He’s also only 20 years old. There is time for him to develop as a pass rusher.

No. 16: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

There is talk about the Jets trading up to get a receiver, but I think they stay put or even trade down and take the best one on the board.

I don’t know who that receiver will be, but I’m going to take a guess that Lemon could fall to them.

He’d give them a great slot receiver and a nice receiving corps along with Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell.

If Lemon and Jordyn Tyson are off the board, I think the Jets would take Denzel Boston from Washington.