Much of the top-10 order of next week’s draft is unsettled. The possibility of movement near the top of the board has been increasingly discussed in recent days, and a number of teams appear willing to trade down.
The 2026 class is not held in high regard given its relative lack of ‘can’t-miss’ prospects. That factor could lead to a tepid trade-up market, but the Cowboys have been mentioned as a candidate to swing a deal in that regard. Dallas owns a pair of first-round picks, including No. 12.
Moving up the board is something to watch for in that case, but other suitors could be eyeing a top-10 pick. The Jets already have one, but the No. 2 selection may not be the only premium one at general manager Darren Mougey‘s disposal. ESPN’s Matt Miller predicts the opening round will be filled with trades, including up to two swaps in the top-10 order. In addition to the Cowboys, Miller names the Jets as a team to watch in that regard.
Most of the pre-draft chatter in New York’s case has naturally centered on what the team will do with the second overall pick. Taking a defensive prospect remains the expectation at this point, something which would leave Mougey and Co. with options at the receiver position and others with their next Day 1 selection (No. 16). Alternatively, a move toward the latter stages of the top 10 could allow the Jets to pick up multiple top-tier players depending on how the rest of board shakes out.
Coming off a 3-14 campaign, New York could stand to add at several spots. Bringing in immediate contributors would help given the questions surrounding head coach Aaron Glenn‘s job security entering his second season at the helm. The chances of that taking place in 2026 may of course increase with a trade up the board, although sacrificing capital in a draft such as this one would no doubt lead to scrutiny.
It may not be challenging for Mougey to find a trade partner over the coming days given the nature of the first-round order. As such, the Jets will join the Cowboys as a team to monitor closely early on Day 1.
Makes sense depending on price. Among the group of Reese/Bailey/Bain, then Tate, Downs, Styles, and Delane, there’s a top tier of guys they could really use that almost certainly aren’t making it to 16.
It’s not that there are a lack of can’t miss prospects. It’s simply that they are not at the positions people want. It’s like saying there aren’t any homes under $1 million but you only want to live in Malibu. Love, Downs, Styles, Reese are all can’t miss guys.
I use to think that standing a foot away from the toilet was a “can’t miss” proposition too…but I was wrong 🙂
Agreed on Love, Downs, and Styles. I guess I agree on Reese if you’re talking off-ball LB, I just don’t think he becomes Parsons like everyone is trying to assign him.
I don’t know. Having watched him so much as a Buckeye I’m very impressed with him. I think he needs the right team with the right plan to use him.
He probably could stand to add more play strength and expand his pass rush repertoire, but he has the tools and was impressive in his role, no doubt. I would use him as a situational pass rusher for sure, I just wouldn’t ask him to pin his ears back and go crazy every down.
100% agree and if a team tries to do that with him as a pure pass rusher they are going to be very disappointed.
I think your assessment is sound then. I do agree, he seems pretty safe in that role. Maybe closer to a dynamic version of Jack Campbell or even Fred Warner if he was asked to rush more instead of drop into coverage instead of Micah Parsons.