New Jets NFL Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Picks

The time is now for the New York Jets to start building toward the future. After trading Sauce Gardner, they are one of the teams with two first-round picks. The regime needs to start selecting franchise cornerstones following the blockbuster moves they made at the trade deadline.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Jets to do with the No. 2 and No. 16 picks:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (3/31)

Selections (No. 2 & No. 16): LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State & WR Makai Lemon, USC

Arvell Reese

The Jets continue to load up on defensive talent and shape the roster in Aaron Glenn's image.

The organization already added nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat, edge-rushers Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare, linebacker Demario Davis and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Now, New York selects its new defensive centerpiece, with a hybrid defender in Ohio State's Arvell Reese.

"Reese's position flexibility should intrigue a defensive-minded coach like Glenn and the team could have a couple of avenues to deploy him," B/R scout Matt Holder said. "Will McDonald IV and Ossai are both pass-rushers who struggle against the run, creating an opportunity for the former Buckeye to line up on the edge during early downs.

"Meanwhile, New York recognized its need at linebacker and signed Davis, but the 37-year-old is only on a two-year contract to justify adding Reese as a long-term solution at linebacker."

Makai Lemon

The Jets' plan at quarterback remains in flux. Will they draft one? Could they trade a later pick for a young veteran like Tanner McKee, Mac Jones or Davis Mills? Is it possible the organization actually moves forward with Geno Smith as the entrenched starter during the 2026 season?

Anything is possible at this point, which makes this pick even more important.

The Jets lack a secondary option at wide receiver. Garrett Wilson is an excellent top target. Though he missed 10 games last season due to injury. Adonai Mitchell does present significant upside, but New York needs a more reliable option.

"Makai Lemon is a dependable and versatile matchup receiver," B/R scout Dame Parson said. "He is a headache to cover in the slot because of his nuanced route-running and ball skills. He has elite toughness and makes his money creating yards after the catch. Lemon displays outstanding contact balance to pinball off tackles in the open field. He projects as a potential security blanket for a quarterback."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (3/17)

Selections (No. 2 & No. 16): Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech & QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selections (No. 2 & No. 16): Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech & WR Makai Lemon, USC

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selections (No. 2 & No. 16): LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State & WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selections (No. 2 & No. 16): LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State & S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selections (No. 2 & No. 16): LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State & WR Omar Cooper Jr, Indiana

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (3/4)

Selections (No. 2 & No. 16): LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State & WR Makai Lemon, USC

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selections (No. 2 & No. 16): LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State & DT Peter Woods, Clemson

Summary

Selecting a top-tier edge-rusher with their first pick is a clear priority. The Jets have some flexibility at 16 to add a much-needed wide receiver to an offense in need of playmakers or take a chance on who most consider to be the second-best quarterback in the class. Going with two defensive players in the first round to revamp their overall unit can't be ruled out with Glenn at the helm.