In his latest five-round mock draft, NFL.com’s Chad Reuter reiterates his prediction for the New York Jets, projecting they will select one of the draft’s fastest-rising and most polarizing prospects with the No. 7 overall pick. In addition, he has the Jets snatching another prospect on the rise in round two.
Here are the top 10 selections in Rueter’s mock draft 3.0:
- Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
- Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
- New York Giants: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
- New England Patriots: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
- Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
- New York Jets: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
- Carolina Panthers: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
- New Orleans Saints: Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB, Georgia
- Chicago Bears: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
No. 7 overall: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
“I don’t doubt the Jets believe in Justin Fields, but I also think that won’t necessarily preclude them from drafting a QB,” Rueter explained. “Competition between Fields and Dart will help the team figure out if either player can become Gang Green’s long-term answer.”
Dart, 21, began his college career at USC before transferring to Ole Miss, where he spent his final three seasons as the Rebels’ starting quarterback.
Over three seasons as a starter, Dart appeared in 37 games, completing 64.6% of his passes for 9,301 yards, 65 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions.
Dart had a breakout year in 2024, earning first-team All-SEC honors after throwing for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and six interceptions while completing 69.3% of his passes.
Jets X-Factor’s Robby Sabo recently broke down Dart’s film, highlighting his strengths and inconsistencies. While some areas need refinement, Sabo showed Dart flashes several traits that project well to the NFL level.
Dart currently ranks 33rd overall on NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board, though he continues to be mocked to quarterback-needy teams like the Jets and Saints inside the top 10.
No. 42 overall: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
Collins, 23, played all five of his collegiate seasons at Texas.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and 332 pounds, Collins made a name for himself during the 2024 season, posting 55 tackles (including six for loss) across 16 games.
Though the Jets signed three free-agent defensive tackles, they remain in need of additional help stopping the run, an area where Collins could make an immediate impact. While he’s not known for his pass-rushing ability, totaling just seven sacks over five seasons, Collins is regarded as a stout run defender, logging an 85.0 run-defense grade in 2024, per Pro Football Focus.
Also, head coach Aaron Glenn and co-director of player personnel Jon Carr were in attendance for the Longhorns pro day, perhaps expressing interest in the run-stuffer who ranks 62nd overall on the consensus big board. Ranked 75th as recently as January 31, Collins makes it two fast-risers for the Jets within their first two picks of this mock.
No. 73 overall: Jack Bech, WR, TCU
Bech, a Louisiana native, transferred to TCU after two seasons at LSU. In 2024, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound receiver had a breakout year, totaling 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 16.7 yards per catch.
Bech emerged as a downfield threat, registering an average depth of target (ADOT) of 13.3 yards. Of his 62 receptions, 30 came on passes thrown at least 10 yards downfield. His consistency stood out, with only one drop on the season, and he also posted an impressive 65% contested catch rate.
The 23-year-old capped his final collegiate season by earning Senior Bowl MVP honors, further cementing his status as one of the top receivers in this year’s draft class, ranking 64th overall on the consensus big board.
No. 110 overall: Ozzy Trapillo, OT, Boston College
Trapillo was a four-star recruit from Boston College High School. He later committed to Boston College, where he played all four of his college seasons and appeared in 43 games while earning a full-time starting job during the 2022 season.
After starting at left tackle in his first year as a starter, Trapillo has been featured at right tackle for the Eagles over the past two seasons.
At 6-foot-8 and 318 pounds, the Boston College product offers ideal size and length for the tackle position. With experience as a starter at both left and right tackle, he also brings versatility while ranking 95th overall on the consensus big board.
No. 145 overall: Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa
Hailing from Grandview Heights High School in Grandview Heights, Ohio, Lachey initially committed to Iowa after playing wide receiver, tight end, and defensive back in high school.
Lachey spent five seasons at Iowa as a tight end, including a redshirt year in 2020, appearing in 42 games and totaling 893 yards and four touchdowns on 74 receptions.
At 6-foot-6, 251 pounds, Lachey has the size to succeed as an NFL tight end and boasts reliable hands, with just one drop during the 2024 season.
The Iowa product is projected to be a late-round pick in this year’s draft, ranked 230th overall on the consensus big board.
No. 162 overall: Malachi Moore, S, Alabama
Moore, 23, committed to Alabama as a four-star recruit after playing both cornerback and safety in high school.
The redshirt senior spent all five of his collegiate seasons with the Crimson Tide as a safety, breaking out in 2024. During the 2024 season, Moore earned first-team All-SEC honors, recording 70 total tackles (three for loss), two interceptions, eight passes defended, and two forced fumbles.
Moore is currently ranked 183rd overall on the consensus big board.
