New York Jets go through a defensive makeover, add an offensive playmaker in the latest 2026 7-round NFL mock draft

Round 1, Pick 16: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

While Lemon isn’t a great overall athlete, he’s a playmaker who understands how to get open as a route runner, win after the catch, and is better at the catch point than you would expect. Even if Lemon gets pushed into the slot due to his measurables, there’s a very good chance he ends up being an integral part of a passing attack. 

Round 2, Pick 33: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

At 6-3 and 327 pounds, McDonald is an immovable object at the point of attack. There isn’t anything overly flashy about his game, but McDonald consistently makes everyone around him better just because of his presence. 

Round 2, Pick 44: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

While Jermod McCoy was out injured this past season, Hood took advantage of that spotlight. His press man technique is one of the very best in the 2026 draft class. He should plug into the rotation immediately. 

Round 4, Pick 103: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State

There may not be a more underrated safety in the 2026 class than Wheatley. Blessed with length and plenty of range, Wheatley has the talent to make plays in depth, while also being a consistent fitter in the running game. 

Round 4, Pick 140: Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan

Barham has played both at linebacker and on the edge during the course of his career at Michigan and Maryland. His game projects best to the latter, where his combination of explosiveness and physicality should allow him to become a key rotational player. 

Round 5, Pick 179: Lewis Bond, WR, Boston College

There are quite a few wide receivers who are more dynamic athletes than Bond, but not many who are as consistent. Bond has a great feel for navigating zone coverage, while also consistently plucking the football outside of his frame. 

Round 7, Pick 219: Desmond Reid, RB, Pitt

Reid is a very small running back, but he has easy upside in the passing game, while also possessing very real explosiveness and quickness. He will never become a big threat on early downs, but he could also become a quarterback’s best friend on third downs. 

Round 7, Pick 228: Cameron Ball, DT, Arkansas

From a talent perspective, Ball has some intriguing physical traits. Even though his impact has been extremely inconsistent, there are still some intriguing tools to work with when it comes to the former Arkansas standout. 

Round 7, Pick 242: Jack Strand, QB, MSU Moorhead

Strand is a small school signal caller with a big frame and live arm. At this point in the draft, taking a dart throw at a talented thrower is a very sound investment.