Todd Mcshay Focuses On Prospects From Big Ten Powers In Latest 2026 Nfl Mock Draft

Todd McShay of The Ringer has posted a new mock draft. He has the Jets picking players at premium positions from top Big Ten programs.

2. Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

At no. 2, the choices are straightforward: the polished edge (David Bailey) or the upside play (Reese). If you’re building for 2027 and beyond, you bet on traits. Reese—a linebacker convert at edge—offers rare tools (6-foot-4, 241 pounds, 4.46 40, 1.58 split) with flashes of power and burst, but he’s still raw. If he’s the pick, the Jets must have a clear, disciplined development plan in place.

Hats off to Darren Mougey and the Jets’ personnel staff. They’ve executed a disciplined teardown/rebuild plan—moving veteran holdovers for premium draft capital and stockpiling eight picks in the first two rounds over the next two drafts. That includes two first-rounders this year and three in 2027’s loaded QB class.

They’ve also been selective in free agency, targeting scheme fits to establish an identity. Now comes the next phase: building out the roster before taking a big swing at quarterback in 2027 (Arch Manning, Dante Moore).

16. Omar Cooper Jr. WR, Indiana

 Adding Cooper to the mix with Garrett Wilson would be the next step in getting the house in order before an elite QB prospect is inserted into the lineup in 2027. Cooper is an absolute competitor. 

His ball skills are elite (just five drops in three seasons), he shows no fear over the middle, and he performs best in big moments, like the game-winning touchdown catch against Penn State. His combination of lower-body strength and body control makes him a difficult tackle after the catch, evidenced by 27 missed tackles forced in 2025. 

I can’t say I entirely follow McShay’s rationale for his Reese over Bailey choice. I’m not sure why focusing on 2027 and beyond inherently means the Jets should bank on traits over polish. Given the talent deficiencies on the roster, I could just as easily argue the Jets should bet on the surer prospect. It’s not like Bailey is in his 30s. If he hits, he will be a good player for a long time.

The Reese pick is a common choice for the Jets, even if the logic McShay uses is a bit tough to follow.

Cooper is not a popular pick in recent mocks at 16. In fact, I think this is the first time I’ve seen him mocked to the Jets. That doesn’t necessarily make it a bad pick. With Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, and Makai Lemon off the board, it definitely would feel like the sort of pick that feels like the Jets went in determined to take a wide receiver no matter what. I can’t say I love that strategy, but it is possible.