The first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft are in the books.

Over the first two days, the New York Jets made four selections, including three in the first round, while filling several areas of need.

They’ve also been aggressive, trading up to steal Cooper from the Buffalo Bills and trading back for Ponds while adding an extra fourth after Jacob Rodriguez was picked.

As Day 3 kicks off, I expect more of the same. As things stand, the Jets have the following picks:

  • Round 4
    • 103rd (3rd in round)
    • 128th (28th)
    • 140th (40th)
  • Round 7
    • 228th (12th)
    • 242nd (26th)

With an 88-pick gap between the team’s last fourth-round selection and first seventh-rounder, don’t be surprised if the team makes another move up the board.

Who fits what the Jets still need?

General manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn have done an excellent job addressing the Jets’ needs so far. They reinforced two of the weakest positions on defense, in edge rusher and cornerback, while adding playmakers on offense. However, there is still work to be done.

The Jets’ biggest remaining needs are at linebacker, interior offensive line, and, of course, quarterback. So, who are the best options left?

  • C Sam Hecht, Kansas
  • C Connor Lew, Arkansas
  • C Pat Coogan, Notre Dame
  • G Brian Parker II, Duke
  • G Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame
  • G Beau Stephens, Iowa
  • LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
  • LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama
  • LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU
  • LB Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
  • LB Jimmy Rolder, Michigan
  • LB Justin Jefferson, Alabama
  • LB Red Murdock, Buffalo
  • QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
  • QB Taylen Green, Arkansas
  • QB Cole Payton, North Dakota State

While it may be Day 3 of the draft, there are still some intriguing options. Sam Hecht would be a slam dunk and solidify the offensive line after a stellar 2025 season. Any of the guards I listed could push Dylan Parham to be the starter. Linebacker is deeper than I realized, with several productive players left.

Alternatively, Gang Green could also look to add additional help elsewhere, notably at defensive tackle and safety. On Day 3, taking the best available player is a far better strategy than targeting needs. So, with that in mind, who stands out?

  • DT Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
  • DT Zxavian Harris, Ole Miss
  • DT Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
  • DT Landon Robinson, Navy
  • DE Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
  • DE Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
  • CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
  • CB Keionte Scott, Miami
  • CB Malik Muhammad, Texas
  • CB Keith Abney II, Arizona State
  • CB Devin Moore, Florida
  • S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State
  • S Jalen Kilgore, South Carolina
  • S Genesis Smith, Arizona
  • S Jadon Canady, Oregon
  • S Michael Taaffe, Texas
  • S Cole Wisniewski, Texas Tech
  • WR Skyler Bell, UConn
  • WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
  • WR Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State
  • WR Kevin Coleman Jr., Missouri
  • OT Drew Shelton, Penn State
  • OT Isaiah World, Oregon
  • OT Kage Casey, Boise State

The NFL draft is only one way to acquire talent. Throughout the first two days of the draft, several veterans have been moved on the market. Could the Jets join in on the action?

The biggest name to watch is wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., or the Jets could potentially part with one of their stars.

While Mougey and Glenn have done an excellent job acquiring talent via the draft’s first two days, the job is not finished, and they have a real chance to add immediate contributors on Day 3.