Jets 2026 mock draft: New York predicted to use pick from Sauce Gardner trade on SEC quarterback

The New York Jets made a stunning trade deadline move in 2025, moving All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts for wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and two first-round picks, one in 2026 and the other in 2027.

New York now has four first-round picks in the next two drafts, thanks to its own picks and the Gardner trade with Indianapolis. One of those draft choices must be used on a quarterback, as Justin Fields' experiment has failed for the Jets, and the franchise currently has a bleak future at the position.

The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner predicts New York will select Alabama signal-caller Ty Simpson with their second first-round pick in April's draft.

Here is Baumgardner's reasoning for Simpson being the selection for the Jets in his mock draft:

"We’ve talked so much about the Jets’ flexibility draft-wise, specifically their ability to punt on a quarterback decision until 2027 if they feel the need. We’re also still not sure what the actual prospect board will look like at the QB position in 2026. However, if Simpson declares, he’d become a very intriguing option for the Jets (and others) this spring."

Though Alabama and Simpson struggled mightily in their College Football Playoff loss to Indiana on Saturday, the 23-year-old had a nice 2025 campaign, tossing 28 touchdowns to five interceptions with 3,500 passing yards and a 64% completion rate.

Simpson has a ton of promise as a high-level pocket passer, but he started just one season in college and did regress during the second half of the season.

However, Simpson showed just how good he can be in Alabama's playoff win over Oklahoma on Dec. 19, fitting balls into tight windows and carving a tough Sooners' defense.

Selecting Simpson would be a risky move by the Jets, but one that could pay off and completely change the course of the franchise.