The 2026 NFL draft begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh, when the New York Jets will pick at No. 2 overall in Round 1. The draft continues with Rounds 2-3 on April 24 and Rounds 4-7 on April 25 (ESPN, ABC and ESPN the app).
The Jets have nine total picks: Nos. 2, 16, 33, 44, 103, 140, 179, 228, 242. But how will they use them? Which positions need to be addressed? Which prospects are coming in for visits and getting buzz with the New York front office and coaching staff?
Jets reporter Rich Cimini has the latest intel on the team's draft plans, potential targets and more in the lead-up to the 2026 draft. We will update this page right up until Round 1 begins.
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April 16: There was quite a reaction on social media Wednesday night when SNY-TV reported that the Jets had cancelled a scheduled visit with Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey with he and Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese being the favorites to be chosen by the Jets with the No. 2 overall pick.
Does this mean Bailey is out of the running? No, it doesn't.
A source confirmed the visit was cancelled, but it's not what you think. The Jets feel comfortable with the amount of information they've gathered on Bailey, and, with a limited number of visits allowed, they decided to use Bailey's spot for another player, the source said.
The Jets met with Bailey at the combine and his recent pro day, so they believe they have a good feel for the player.
Teams were allowed to have up to 30 non-local prospects take pre-draft visits. Wednesday was the last day for the top-30 visits.
Could Glenn and Co. go CB early?
April 15: So much of the pre-draft focus has centered on edge rusher, wide receiver and quarterback. Don't forget about cornerback, a sneaky need for the Jets.
They hosted at least two highly-regarded corners for visits -- Jermod McCoy (Tennessee) and Chris Johnson (San Diego State).
Presumably, the Jets wanted McCoy in their building to re-check his surgically repaired knee. He tore his ACL in January 2025, costing him the entire 2025 season. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds at his recent pro day, and he has the size (6-foot-1) that coach Aaron Glenn likes in his corners. He's projected as a likely first rounder. Johnson could last until Round 2.
The Jets have some uncertainty at corner after trading star Sauce Gardner to the Colts last fall. Azareye'h Thomas showed glimpses of potential in five starts last season as a rookie, but he's coming off shoulder surgery. They signed former Chicago Bears starter Nahshon Wright in free agency, but it was only $3.5 million. Wright and Thomas are expected to battle for the starting job opposite Brandon Stephens.