NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah shook up the draft boards for the New York Jets on Monday — and not in the way many fans expected.

Jets’ draft rumors

The veteran NFL draft analyst and former front office executive spoke with ESPN’s Mina Kimes to tout Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate as an option for the Jets with the second overall pick.

“I think [Carnell Tate] starts; I think that he’s in play like at No. 2,” Jeremiah said. “I think that conversation, I think that he’s entertained at No. 2. … There’s a lot of Tate supporters out there. A lot of people [who] need a receiver. I’ll say this: If Tate was 205 pounds instead of 192 pounds, and he ran a 4.42 [40-yard dash] instead of 4.53, I think there’s a real chance he’s the second pick in the draft.”

A receiver hasn’t gone as high as the second round pick since Calvin Johnson was taken by the Detroit Lions in 2007. “Megatron” went on to have a Hall-of-Fame career in the Motor City.

But is Tate the right pick for the Jets early on in the 2026 draft?

Tate never posted a 1,000-yard season in his three years with the Buckeyes, despite winning a National Title in 2025. He remains this draft class’s best receiver, but due to his quality hands, strong route-running, and ability to make things happen after the catch.

He’s the kind of “Z” receiver that fits well with what the Jets already have in another former Buckeye, Garrett Wilson.

But does that mean Gang Green should follow the advice of Jeremiah at this point?

The value play

When it comes to top-five picks, getting the right value is just as important as getting a bona fide superstar. When the New York Giants drafted running back Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick in 2018, they grabbed one of the better players in the draft.

However, the team lacked a quality offensive line, so Barkley’s value with Big Blue was limited.

It’s hard to tell if the Jets can avoid something similar with Tate in this particular scenario — especially since Tate’s numbers in college were wrapped around fellow star Jeremiah Smith.

If the Jets are going to take a receiver with the second pick, they need someone who is going to be the guy for their offense. They simply don’t need that with Wilson already on the roster.

The only way a draft selection like this makes sense is if the team trades up and still grabs a top defensive player. Tate as the second-overall selection only makes sense if a player like safety Caleb Downs or linebacker Sonny Styles is acquired in a move-up trade.

Otherwise, Tate would be compared to a Hall-of-Fame superstar, and it’s difficult to project him at that lofty level right now.