PLEASE DO NOT SPOIL PICKS BEFORE THEY ARE ANNOUNCED

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books. The Jets selected edge defender David Bailey at #2, then picked up a couple of pass catchers when they selected tight end Kenyon Sadiq at #16 and traded #33 and #179 to the San Francisco 49ers for #30, selecting wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.

The second and third rounds of the draft take place tonight, starting at 7 pm EDT.

The New York Jets, having traded away #33 and #179 for Cooper, currently own just one pick tonight, #44 in the second round. Trading down would probably be a popular move with many fans, especially if the Jets are able to pick up a third round pick in the process, as they currently do not own a pick in the third round.

The Jets have needs at safety and cornerback. They also might target a linebacker, a defensive lineman or an offensive lineman tonight. Quarterback is also a need, though with Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson off the board in the first round it’s not clear any quarterback left on the board would go as high as #44. We will see shortly what direction the Jets go in tonight.