Who Will the Jets Draft 2nd Overall in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Oregon's Dante Moore shocked the football world when he announced that he's returning to the Ducks for another season, leaving many asking, who will the Jets draft second overall in the 2026 NFL Draft?

With Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza the overwhelming favorite by the 2026 NFL Draft odds to be drafted No. 1 by the Las Vegas Raiders, will the Jets reach for another QB prospect, take the top playmaker available, or add to their defense?

📊 2026 NFL Draft odds: No. 1 pick

Our 2026 NFL Draft odds update in real time based on the odds from our top NFL betting sites.

✈️ Who will the Jets draft 2nd overall in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Mendoza's 2026 NFL Draft odds imply a higher than 98% probability he'll be the No. 1 pick, therefore he's not a realistic option for the Jets at No. 2.

Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

• Stats: 69 tackles, 10 TFLs, 6.5 sacks
• Key stat: 13.7% pass rush win rate

Though not the most productive defensive player in the draft class, Ohio State's Arvell Reese may have the most upside of any defender.

A do-it-all linebacker who has drawn comparisons to Micah Parsons for his versatility and athleticism, Reese is viewed by many draftniks as the top defender in the draft.

Reese would be my bet to go No. 2 at this point, especially with Aaron Glenn's defensive background. 

Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

• Stats: 3,567 passing yards, 30 total TDs, 5 INTs
• Key stat: 6% big-time throw rate

With Moore staying in Eugene, Alabama's Ty Simpson is the consensus No. 2 QB in the draft after Mendoza.

While he was being projected to go outside the top 10, could the Jets get desperate and take the Crimson Tide star No. 2? Despite being three years older than Moore (23), Simpson has just 15 career starts.

It seems more likely that GM Darren Mougey would hold off on drafting a QB until next year, when Moore and Arch Manning are expected to be in the draft.

Top WR: Carnell Tate, Ohio State/Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

• Tate stats: 51 receptions, 875 receiving yards, 9 TDs
• Key stat: 85.7% contested catch rate
• Tyson stats: 61 receptions, 711 yards, 9 total TDs
• Key stat: 2.37 yards per route run

New York has more holes than just QB on offense, with no clear No. 2 wide receiver alongside Garrett Wilson. Could Mougey decide to target the top pass catcher in the draft?

That would ensure whichever QB the Jets take in 2027 steps into a lineup in Gotham that has a Batman and Robin out wide.

Both Ohio State's Carnell Tate and Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson have a chance to be the first wide receiver drafted in April. Tate is the better big-play threat, while Tyson is viewed as a more complete receiver. Neither profiles as a top two pick in most drafts. 

Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State

• Stats: 68 tackles, 5 TFLs, 2 INTs
• Key stat: 54.5 NFL QB rating allowed in coverage

This draft is shaping up to be one of the worst in recent memory, so maybe the Jets will just take the safest prospect in the class, who also happens to fill a major need in their secondary.

Ohio State's Caleb Downs would be an instant starter on any defense with his IQ, instincts, and versatility.

He's a three-time All-American and just turned 21 last month, so while the floor is the highest in the class, the upside is there, too. Downs could certainly help a defense that didn't intercept a single pass this season, but a safety has never been drafted in the top two.