Mel Kiper Jr. 2026 NFL draft pick has intriguing Round 1 pick for Jets

[ASFN Admin]

The New York Jets have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL draft and ESPN's NFL draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. makes some intriguing selections for the team in his latest mock projection.

Heading into the draft, New York holds the second and No. 16 overall slots in Round 1. Ahead of many drafts, the first two or three selections are clear ahead of time. That's not the case in 2026.

In Kiper's projection, Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey is the move for the Jets at second overall.

At No. 16, Kiper heats things up even more. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is the projection.

Kiper's breakdown on both picks can be found below:

Round 1, No. 2 overall​

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David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech

In my January mock draft, I had Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese here. In February, I went with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Now, it's Bailey. These are all good options for a defense that could use a lot of help, but the Jets really need an instant impact edge rusher. They were 31st in sacks last season (26) and traded Jermaine Johnson, further thinning out the unit. They have to find foundational players off the edge. And Bailey is explosive and productive, posting 14.5 sacks (tied for first in the FBS), 71 pressures (second) and a 20.2% pressure rate (first) last season.

Round 1, No. 16 overall​

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Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

The Jets don't have to draft a quarterback here. They traded for Geno Smith as a bridge option and have three first-round picks in 2027, when the QB class should be a lot better. But this is a good range for Simpson, who has only 15 career starts but throws with accuracy, processes quickly and moves well in the pocket. He threw 28 touchdown passes in 2025 and is a first-round QB in my book.

Simply put, New York has to take some swings to figure out the long-term solution under center. I could see the Jets drafting Simpson and letting him learn and develop a little behind Smith before he moves into the starter role.

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Mel Kiper Jr 2026 NFL draft pick has intriguing Round 1 pick for Jets

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