Many mock draft boards had projected Oregon quarterback Dante Moore to be selected by the New York Jets, with Moore emerging as the heavy favorite at second overall pick, behind Fernando Mendoza, who is widely expected to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Those plans are now off the table for New York. Moore announced earlier today that he will not enter the 2026 NFL Draft, opting instead to return to college for another season.
The decision comes as a surprise to many around the NFL. With Moore now out of the draft pool, the Jets must pivot their strategy and explore other options at the top of the board.
Following Mooreâs announcement, CBS Sportsâ Ryan Wilson released an updated mock draft.
Wilson now projects the Jets to select linebacker Arvell Reese with the second overall pick, while addressing the quarterback position later in the first round by selecting Ty Simpson at No. 16 overall.
GettyLB Arvell Reese.
Why the Picks Are Realistic
Reese is certainly a viable option for the Jets with the second overall pick. The Ohio State linebacker is widely regarded as the top defensive player in the draft and possesses the talent to become an elite impact player at the NFL level, something New York could desperately use on a defense that struggled majorly in 2025.
“An explosive, high-motor LB with a versatile skill set that includes elite closing speed vs. both the run and the pass. He is a terror coming downhill, showcasing his strength and athleticism to shoot gaps, shed blocks and collapse the pocket,” wrote Wilson.
Reese, only 20 years old, would come into New York and almost instantly become one of the biggest threats for offenses facing the Jets defense, which makes selecting the linebacker logical, as the team ranked 31st in points allowed, allowing 29.6 points per game according to Fox Sports.
Simpson has not been commonly linked to the Jets in previous mock drafts, largely because most projections assumed New York would select Moore. Now, drafting the Alabama quarterback is more realistic, and he could still be available at pick 16. As arguably the second-best quarterback prospect in the draft behind Mendoza, Simpson becomes a legitimate option if New York values him highly enough.
“Simpson is a big-armed pocket passer who plays with composure and outstanding mental processing both before and after the snap,” wrote Wilson. “He plays with an aggressive confidence and excels at navigating muddy pockets, throwing accurately on short and intermediate routes, and ripping tight-window throws with anticipation.”
GettyQB Ty Simpson.
Big Picture
The Jets have the opportunity to change the course of their franchise in the 2026 NFL Draft, armed with significant draft capital.
In addition to holding the second and 16th overall picks, New York also owns picks 33 and 44, giving the Jets more selections inside the top 45 than any team in this yearâs draft.
Starting the draft by selecting the top defensive prospect at No. 2 and potentially securing the quarterback of the future at pick 16 could provide the foundation the franchise has been searching for.
GettyJets GM Darren Mougey will have a lot of draft capital to use in 2026.
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