Decades into his career as an NFL draft pundit, Mel Kiper Jr. continues to provide football fans with plenty of entertainment, if nothing else.

In February, Kiper made waves in New York Jets media circles when he released one of the most polarizing mock-draft predictions for the Jets that anyone had seen to that point.

Kiper had the Jets selecting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the second overall pick and Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods with the 16th overall pick.

Post-free agency, Kiper has released his latest mock draft. He’s switched up his predictions for the Jets at both of their first-round pick slots, but this mock draft is sure to divide Jets fans just as starkly as his last.

Here are the first 16 picks of Kiper’s latest mock draft.

  1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
  2. New York Jets: David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech
  3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, OLD, Ohio State
  4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
  5. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
  6. Cleveland Browns: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
  7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
  8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
  9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
  10. Cincinnati Bengals: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
  11. Miami Dolphins: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
  12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
  13. Los Angeles Rams: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
  14. Baltimore Ravens: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
  15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
  16. New York Jets: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

First off, Kiper has the Jets taking Texas Tech’s David Bailey over Ohio State’s Arvell Reese with the No. 2 choice. That sound you just heard was Jets X-Factor’s Robby Sabo pulling his hair out.

With the 16th pick, Kiper has the Jets making the bold decision to take Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.

“The Jets don’t have to draft a quarterback here,” wrote Kiper. “They traded for Geno Smith as a bridge option and have three first-round picks in 2027, when the QB class should be a lot better. But this is a good range for Simpson, who has only 15 career starts but throws with accuracy, processes quickly and moves well in the pocket.

“Simply put, New York has to take some swings to figure out the long-term solution under center. I could see the Jets drafting Simpson and letting him learn and develop a little behind Smith before he moves into the starter role.”

The selection is quite a reach based on Simpson’s No. 35 overall ranking on NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board. It would mean that instead of taking a quality non-quarterback prospect who would likely start in Week 1, the Jets would take a quarterback who many view as beneath first-round-caliber.

But if the Jets fall in love with Simpson, their need at quarterback is desperate enough to justify the pick. They don’t have a quarterback on their roster with legitimate long-term upside.

It doesn’t matter what Simpson’s “consensus” grade is. If the Jets have a first-round grade on him, they would be wise to strike on Simpson quickly instead of waiting to see if they can get him in the second round.

Would Jets fans be on board with using a mid-first-round pick to take a swing on Simpson?