The 2026 NFL draft is here, and the first night will mark one of the most pivotal days for the New York Jets in recent memory.
Armed with two top 20 selections (Nos. 2 and 16 overall), those assets have the capability to change the franchise’s trajectory if allocated correctly.
Here is one key stat to help summarize a flurry of prospects the team could target in Round 1.
EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State: 22.7%
During the 2025 season, Arvell Reese logged an eye-popping 22.7% pressure rate, generating 27 total pressures and eight sacks on 119 pass-rush reps.
Pressure rate is an excellent indicator of how consistently a pass rusher is disruptive. Michael Nania’s study also revealed that it is one of the primary stats that strongly indicate an EDGE prospect’s future NFL success.
Granted, it was a small sample size, but the amount of upside Reese flashed last season is undeniable, and his pressure rate emphasizes just that.
EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech: 14.5 and 73
Last season, David Bailey’s 14.5 sacks and 73 pressures each led the FBS while earning a 93.3 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus.
While Reese should undoubtedly be the Jets’ selection at No. 2, if the team ends up taking Bailey, fans should know how dominant he was as a pass rusher at Texas Tech last season.
WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State: 85.7%
Carnell Tate’s 85.7% contested catch rate last season led all FBS wide receivers with at least 10 contested targets, showcasing his ability to win in traffic.
Furthermore, he was able to win downfield due to a blend of his speed and physicality, which is highly encouraging. While the Jets would most likely need to trade up to land Tate, his ability to win in traffic and stretch the field makes a deal worthwhile if the asking price is within reason.
WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana: 145.2
Omar Cooper Jr. was one of the most reliable receivers in the Big 10 last season, posting a 145.2 passer rating when targeted, which ranked 15th among qualified FBS receivers. He also forced 27 missed tackles, tied for the fourth most in the conference.
If the Jets select Omar Cooper Jr., Geno Smith will earn a highly consistent target who can play both X and Y wide receiver positions.
WR Denzel Boston, Washington: 75%
Last season, Boston won in nine of his 12 contested catch situations, contributing to an impressive 75% catch rate.
Should the Jets select the Washington product at No. 16 or 33, he will be the team’s starting X receiver and complement to Wilson on the outside. The primary concern with his game, though, is his heavy reliance on physicality and lack of long speed, which hurts his ability to separate against press coverage.
WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M: 42%
KC Concepcion dealt with some of the worst quarterback play last season among all wide receiver prospects in this year’s class.
Per Fantasy Football Today’s Jacob Gibbs, Concepcion had an off-target rate of 42% on throws of 15+ air yards, which was the highest rate among these WR prospects.
- KC Concepcion (42%)
- Malachi Fields (41%)
- Denzel Boston (33%)
- Carnell Tate (32%)
- Jordyn Tyson (31%)
- Skyler Bell (26%)
- Chris Bell (24%)
- Makai Lemon (22%)
- Omar Cooper Jr. (21%)
- Chris Brazzell (19%)
- Elijah Sarratt (5%)
While his overall production was not on par with other top prospects like Boston, Tate, Makai Lemon, or Jordyn Tyson, it was largely due to lackluster QB play. When you take the horrific play into account, though, his numbers are impressive, posting 919 yards and nine touchdowns on 61 receptions.
Jet X’s Joe Blewett highlighted Concepcion’s impressive route-running ability at all three levels and ability to separate, which has been largely neglected by many analysts due to poor QB play.
Ultimately, when you look at the bigger picture, Concepcion makes more sense at pick 16 than most think.
