After two decades of playing fodder to Tom Brady, the New York Jets once again find themselves looking up at the New England Patriots. Simply put, they set the bar for a successful rebuild, and as they threaten to end the Buffalo Bills' divisional dynasty, New England looks like everything New York aspires to be.
The Patriots hit on the head coach. They hit on the quarterback. And a team in disarray just a season ago looks like one of the best teams in football, both in the short- and long-term.
New York's search for a quarterback will continue into April -- perhaps all the way to the 2027 NFL Draft. But the Jets have significant draft capital and a chance to thrust themselves back into relevance.
New York Jets mock draft
Round 1, Pick 5: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The obvious choice here is a quarterback, but in a world where Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson are off the board and Dante Moore returns to school, New York can find itself out of luck.
Arvell Reese is one hell of a consolation prize. He might be the best player in this class, and he fits on this Jets defense, whether he lines up at edge rusher or linebacker. New York has struggled at the second level, and Reese's frame-exceeding power stands out against the run.
Perhaps he takes on a hybrid role to keep Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson fresh while playing linebacker on the other downs. If he follows Micah Parsons' footsteps, having two incumbent starters on the edge would cease to matter anyway.
Round 1, Pick 32: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
In the wake of the Quinnen Williams trade, there's a long-term need at defensive tackle. Despite Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs' success as run defenders, Miller would inject youth into the unit and make their lives easier.
He's a Day 1 starter on the interior, and his pass-rushing upside makes him a viable first-round selection. His immediate impact in the run game is a nice perk, and hitting on an interior rusher would amplify the strengths of the edge rushers.
The Jets could reasonably add an offensive lineman with one of these premium selections, but two of John Simpson, Josh Myers, and Alijah Vera-Tucker could return next season.
Round 2, Pick 36: Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, USC
It is hard to envision a scenario in which New York doesn't add a starting-caliber receiver early in the NFL Draft. The board falls a bit unfavorably in this scenario, but Lane can start on the boundary in a world where Adonai Mitchell doesn't take the leap.
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As a physical freak who consistently wins above the rim, Lane's size complements Garrett Wilson well and adds extra potency to the red-zone offense. There's work to be done as a separator, and he's unlikely to produce much after the catch. Still, there's a role for him in this offense, and his catch radius and hand strength make him a quarterback-friendly option.
Round 2, Pick 44: A.J. Haulcy, SAF, LSU
Haulcy has become a favorite for Jets fans focusing on the 2026 NFL Draft, and there's reason to believe he'd be a key piece of the next good New York secondary. His versatility is impressive, and his ball production (seven interceptions and 12 passes defended since 2024) would be welcomed for a defense that has yet to force a turnover.
Andre Cisco and Tony Adams were an experiment at safety. It failed. Malachi Moore has potential, and paired with a dynamic playmaker, he figures to play a big role on next year's defense.
New England Patriots mock draft
Round 1, Pick 28: Kamari Ramsey, SAF, USC
In many ways, New England's defense is a reflection of its head coach. Draft capital and prior investments played little into Mike Vrabel's decision on who to start. Kyle Dugger has been traded, Jabrill Peppers was cut, and the Patriots' safety room has remained in flux.
This team was always going to be physical against the run. In a gauntlet of AFC quarterbacks, though, taking the ball away is paramount. Kamari Rams ey hasn't produced much in 2025, but his instincts and athleticism bode well for a playmaker in coverage at the next level.
Round 2, Pick 60: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
The Patriots deserve plenty of praise for their early-season success. However, a lackluster schedule and the low bar set last season lend themselves to hyperbole. This offense needs work, especially up front, where Morgan Moses isn't a long-term answer at right tackle.
Iheanachor might be, and as one of the class's few risers at the position, New England would add two early-round tackles in as many years to keep its MVP candidate upright as often as possible.
Round 3, Pick 92: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Omar Cooper Jr. Is used to making plays for one of the best quarterbacks at his level of football. That doesn't have to change on Sundays. Kayshon Boutte is a strong, but limited, option on the boundary; DeMario Douglas poses a similar conundrum in the slot.
Cooper's versatility and knack for making big plays could bridge that gap, giving Maye a reliable contributor who can impact every level of the field and mitigate the risks that come with Stefon Diggs aging out of his prime.
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