We are one day from the start of the 2026 NFL Draft, and analysts are putting out their final guesses as to what will happen. The Ringer’s Todd McShay projects a shocking outcome for the Jets.
2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Jets GM Darren Mougey is going to lean into risk aversion here, and it sounds like he views Bailey as the safer pick than Arvell Reese. Credit to Mougey and his extremely small inner circle, who have done a great job of keeping this pick quiet.
16. New York Jets:
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
No, Tate isn’t falling—I could see him going as high as 7 to Washington or 8 to New Orleans. But a scenario does exist where Tate slips out of the top 10, and I could see the Jets making a small move up a few spots to get him. I also believe strongly that the Jets could move back.
A couple of things are striking about this mock.
First, I don’t think anybody could say Bailey to the Jets would be a massive shock the way McShay is presenting it. Numerous national media members have been discussing buzz over the last few weeks about the Jets preferring Bailey to Reese. If the Jets do select the Texas Tech pass rusher, it will confirm those rumors.
As far as Tate goes, it’s odd for McShay to claim that he won’t fall to 16 and then project the Jets to select him there without a trade up. I’m still sure the Jets would be delighted to have the consensus top receiver in this class fall this far given their need at the position.
I wouldn’t exactly get my hopes up for it to happen, though.
