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 five teams with two first-round picks. The regime needs to start selecting franchise cornerstones following the blockbuster moves they made defensively 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 (4/15)

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

Arvell Reese

The New York Jets offset the fact they're not in a position to draft a quarterback by trading for Geno Smith to serve as a bridge for this season. Smith showed last year he shouldn't be relied upon to be a stabilizing veteran presence. So, it falls on the Jets brass to improve his surrounding cast as much as possible.

To start, the Jets continue to build a defense that can provide the entire squad with an identity after bringing in Joseph Ossai, Kingsley Engabare, T'Vondre Sweat, Demario Davis and Minkah Fitzpatrick this offseason.

Ohio State's Arvell Reese provides a chess piece capable of being a difference-maker.

"While the Jets have Will McDonald IV and signed Ossai to rush off the edge, they could use someone to set the edge against the run," B/R scout Matt Holder said. "Reese can immediately bring that skill set, while developing his pass-rush arsenal. He may even stick at off-ball linebacker and be the long-term solution behind Davis.

"In other words, the Jets have multiple reasons why the Ohio State product should be the second overall pick."

Jordyn Tyson

With a pair of first-round picks and Arvell Reese already added to the roster, the New York Jets can afford to take a big swing on a top talent with some question marks.

Jordyn Tyson could have easily been WR1 in this year's class had he stayed healthy. Unfortunately, that's not been the case after dealing with a major knee injury that cost him part of the 2022 campaign and all of the '23 season, a broken collarbone and hamstring issues. But no one can deny his on-field prowess.

"Tyson is the easiest mover at all three levels among this year's wide receiver class," B/R scout Damian Parson said. "He runs routes with suddenness and twitchiness to defeat man coverage and settles into zones well. He adds an explosive receiver alongside Garrett Wilson, who can play all over the formation."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (4/15)

Selections (No. 2 & No. 16): Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech & WR Omar Cooper, Indiana

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): Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State & WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

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

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

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

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

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (4/15)

Selections (No. 2 & No. 16): Edge 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 the clear priority. The Jets have some flexibility at 16 to add a much-needed wide receiver to an offense in need of playmakers. Going with two defensive players in the first round to revamp their overall unit can't be ruled out, with Aaron Glenn investing heavily into rebuilding his unit in 2026.