5 Jets thoughts heading into 2026 Scouting Combine

We’re just a few days away from the New York Jets arriving in Indianapolis for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, an enjoyable experience for fans, media members, and hundreds of draftable players.

Indianapolis is the first opportunity for teams and analysts to get an up-close glimpse of some of the top college players in an NFL landscape. It also gives organizations the opportunity to lay the groundwork for future agreements.

Jets X-Factor will be in Indy every step of the way, providing coverage for you throughout the process. Before that happens, though, it’s time to share some questions and thoughts going into the week.

1. How important is positional value?

When the Jets make their pick with the second overall selection, the prevailing theory is that they’ll choose between the three best edge rushers, the top safety, and the top wide receiver in this class.

Aaron Glenn’s mantra as coordinator in Detroit was to have positionless players he could use all over the field. It was a big reason the group was so successful in 2024 despite injuries depleting its talent level.

There is no denying that a great edge rusher is more important than a safety, especially in the modern NFL. If the Jets are torn between Ohio State star Caleb Downs and one of Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, Miami’s Reuben Bain Jr., or Texas Tech’s David Bailey, New York should target the edge rusher.

Always.

Glenn’s positionless mindset could challenge that theory, though. Will he take the versatile Downs to replicate the mold he established in Detroit with players like Brian Branch? Or will he stick to the hierarchy of positional value and target the edge rusher to begin a complete retool of his defense?

It’s a legitimate debate that will dominate the Jets’ talking points over the next few months.

2. What kind of QB are the Jets looking for?

New offensive coordinator Frank Reich has won with a very specific style of quarterback: one who is taller than most with a big arm. Will that be a similar build to what he wants as the Jets’ offensive play caller in 2026?

There are few quarterbacks available via trade and in free agency who fit the mold. Even fewer are available in the 2026 draft class.

New York does not necessarily have to acquire the same type of quarterback Reich has worked with in the past. They just need someone who can win football games for them this season.

But that also begs the question: With so few options at their disposal, what are the Jets’ expectations at the position? Will they take a swing on someone like Kyler Murray or Malik Willis? Or are they willing to settle for a lesser option like Kirk Cousins or Jacoby Brissett?

This question won’t be answered directly at the combine, but we’ll at least get a hint of the team’s plans.

3. Is there any hope for a Raiders trade down?

There are rumblings that the Las Vegas Raiders would be open to trading out of the top overall pick and the rights to Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.

Will that actually happen, though?

Mendoza’s combine and pro day workouts, along with meetings with the top Raiders brass, will be critical. He isn’t the kind of “can’t miss” prospect that other top quarterbacks were when they came out. There are very clear deficiencies in his game.

But Mendoza is the only true franchise quarterback available in this draft. Most fully expect him to be the Raiders’ pick at No. 1.

If Las Vegas has a different thought, though, the events of the next few weeks are what will change their mind. With enticing offers for the top pick inevitably due to come flying in, the Raiders will be analyzing Mendoza closely to ensure they are all-in on him as the first overall pick.

4. Will there be a player the Jets fall in love with during workouts?

Each year, there are multiple instances of teams “falling in love” with a player and moving mountains to acquire him. The Jacksonville Jaguars did everything in their power to bring in Travis Hunter in 2025.

Will that guy exist for the Jets this year? With four picks in the top 45, they have the ammunition to make an aggressive move if there is somebody they love.

The combine itself will not provide an answer to this question, but it could reveal players who may entice the Jets to make such a move.

As the coach of a team that finished 3-14 last season, Glenn will want to bring in players who can help the team win games right away. If that requires a trade, the Jets may be willing to do it.

Will someone catch their attention enough to prompt that kind of pursuit?

5. What free agent decision will be “decided” ahead of time?

In 2024, the entire NFL world heard at the combine that the Philadelphia Eagles wanted Saquon Barkley on their roster. Most fans were skeptical because of how the Eagles typically build their roster.

Then, it happened.

The combine is primarily about scouting the next crop of great young talent in the league, but there are instances where free agent nuggets are brought to the table.

Could the Jets’ quarterback plans be teased during this time? Are they looking to trade up in the draft? Is a trade for a top receiver in the works?

These questions could at the very least be part of the discussion next week.