There are two obvious needs that the New York Jets must address when they enter the first day of the 2026 NFL draft: edge rusher and wide receiver.

New York’s need on the edge will likely be solved early, with either Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese or Texas Tech’s David Bailey expected to be the No. 2 overall pick. What happens at wide receiver, though, remains a major question.

It leaves the team asking serious questions about one of their potential targets at the position.

Jets’ receiver dilemma

New York is in need of a true “X” receiver—someone who can play on the boundary and make difficult catches in traffic downfield. It’s one of the best ways the team can increase its offensive firepower around former Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson.

Based on that specific archetype, there are three first-round quality players in the draft who fit the Jets’ need: Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, and Washington’s Denzel Boston.

USC’s Makai Lemon and Indiana’s Omar Cooper are also first-round prospects, but both are likelier to play in the slot in the NFL.

The question for New York is where they are comfortable taking a receiver. A potential trade-up will likely be needed in the top 10 if they want to acquire the likes of Tyson or Tate. Simply drafting Boston at 16 would seem like a reach of sorts to some fans.

So which way will the team lean?

It could ultimately come down to their evaluation of Boston. While he may be viewed as a reach to some, the Jets may not see it the same way if they believe he is a fit for their needs.

The question around Boston

At 6-foot-3 and 212 pounds, Boston is one of the biggest receivers in the 2026 class. He has the ability to beat any corner one-on-one thanks to his physicality and contested-catch skills at the point of attack.

The most commonly discussed red flag about Boston is his lack of speed and its effect on his separation. However, not all teams seem to buy into those concerns.

“I don’t think speed concerns are valid,” a scouting director told NFL Network. “Anyway, you don’t have to be fast when you are as good as he is when guarded.”

In Garrett Wilson, the Jets already have a potential top-tier receiver who can separate at a high clip and offers elite YAC potential. What New York really needs is a receiver who can win one-on-one matchups on the outside to take attention away from Wilson.

It’s a foregone conclusion that the Jets will target a receiver early in the 2026 draft. They might even double-dip at the position as well.

While some may think that New York has to trade up to address the need, staying put and selecting Boston at No. 16 might not be the reach that some believe.