Darren Mougey is shown during a press conference where he was introduced as the new general manager of the New York Jets, at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, Monday, January 27, 2025, in Florham Park.
With the internet officially in “pump out a million mocks a day” mode, it seems a pair of players consistently land with the Jets. We scrolled though about a dozen mock drafts from prominent outlets and each and every time, the Jets spent the second pick on Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese or Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain. Both would fill an immediate need for Gang Green, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few other options that shouldn’t be ruled out.
S Caleb Downs, Ohio State:
The Jets have two noteworthy problems on defense that must be addressed. The first problem is that they can’t stop the run. Of greater importance in today’s game, they also can’t stop the pass. Not the ideal situation. So how many players in this class can legitimately do both at a consistently high level? By our estimates, there is one. Caleb Downs.
The OSU safety may have been the best defensive player in the country, but because that designation is usually reserved for the nation’s sack or interception leader, some have slept on Downs’ ability because he’s used in such a variety of roles that he’s not able to dominate in just one area.
But turn on the film and you’ll see an absolute monster coming downhill against the run and a defensive back in coverage who is quick to read the quarterback and make plays in coverage as he logged twelve passes defended and six interceptions over the course of his career. Always relying on having a play-making safety on the back end, Aaron Glenn may call on Darren Mougey to grab the best one in the country.
RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame:
If we were to get a look at Aaron Glenn’s post game press conference notes, would anyone be surprised if we were to see, written in capital letters at the top, “TELL THEM ABOUT DETRIOT TURNAROUND”? The Jets couldn’t lose a game in 2025 without the head coach racing to the podium to tell everyone about how things went from abysmal to dominant in Detroit. A big part of how the did that? By using an early first round pick on running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Now, that wasn’t quite as early as pick 2, as Gibbs went twelfth overall, but his impact was immeasurable. The explosive back allowed Detroit to have one of the best quick-strike units in the NFL. With Breece Hall’s contract status up in the air, Love shouldn’t be ruled out. In fact, the Jets would probably prefer trading down just a bit, but staying in range to add the best back in the country.
WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State:
The Jets need to add some help at wide receiver to compliment Garrett Wilson and his fellow OSU alumni could provide just that. The 6′ 2” 195 Tate is viewed by many as the top receiver in the class. Coming off of a monster year in which he averaged over 17 yards per catch and nine touchdowns. Tate does an outstanding job of tracking the football and beating press coverage. His movement skill allow him to create separation but when passes are contested, he can win in tight coverage as well. There aren’t many folks mocking him to the Jets at 2, but it would be hard to blame them if they went that route.