It’s officially draft season for the Jets.
After being eliminated from postseason contention for the 15th consecutive year, Gang Green will hope to find difference makers who can help them end the longest postseason drought in North American sports.
Obviously, a lot of talk will be about whether the Jets can find a franchise quarterback this offseason. But they have several other holes to fill on a team that also recorded its 10th straight losing season.
Let’s take a look at some college stars the Jets could target during the 2026 NFL Draft.
MAKAI LEMON, WR, USC
It’s no secret the Jets need another wide receiver to complement star Garrett Wilson, who commands a ton of defensive attention. John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell are nice pieces to have offensively, but each hasn’t been good enough consistently to believe the Jets are set at receiver.
That’s why a guy like Lemon, who is a bit small at 5-11, can be a matchup nightmare for opposing defense. Lemon can play both in the slot and outside as the Z-receiver who lines up off the line, typically near the tight end on the strong side.
This season, Lemon won the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s best receiver. In 12 games, he registered 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Trojans.
Lemon is dangerous out in space because of his speed, but he also has excellent hands. He can yank the ball out of traffic and attack it like he is a bigger receiver. His play is a lot like Lions receiver Amon Ra-St. Brown, whom Jets coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand saw when they were both in Detroit.
If the Jets are looking for a playmaker who can help their rookie QB, Lemon would be an excellent fit for Engstrand’s offense.
JOSIAH TROTTER, LB, MISSOURI
If you recognize the last name, you probably should. Trotter’s father, Jeremiah, was a four-time Pro Bowler with the Eagles. His brother, Jeremiah Jr., is also a linebacker in Philadelphia who was drafted in the fifth round in 2024.
Much like his father, the younger Trotter is known for his explosive downhill tackling and power. At 6-2, 237 pounds, he is also a sure tackler and can knock ball-carriers back regularly with his heavy hands.
Trotter also has the talent to help elevate the players around him. With Quincy Williams likely to test free agency, Trotter would fit in nicely with Jamien Sherwood, whom the Jets gave a three-year, $45 million contract last offseason.
KC CONCEPTION, WR, TEXAS A&M
If the Jets aren’t able to draft Lemon, Conception would be a great fallback option. Even if the Jets draft Lemon, Conception could make for a great trio of receivers who could put defenses on roller skates.
The 5-11, 187-pound receiver is skillful at running routes and can create separation with his quick feet. He is also excellent after the catch, which is shown by his 15.5 yards per catch.
Wilson, Lemon and Conception with a rookie quarterback, I would sign up for that if I’m a Jets fan, especially after how poor the passing offense has been this season.
GENESIS SMITH, S, ARIZONA
The safety position has been an issue for the Jets for several seasons. They kicked the tires on Andre Cisco after signing him to a one-year, $10 million deal, but he struggled mightily. He only played eight games before suffering a season-ending torn pectoral muscle.
Smith is one of the better safeties who could be eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft. At 6-2, 204 pounds, he uses his length to close passing gaps and to erase passing in coverage.
Smith needs to improve in rushing situations by playing closer to the line of scrimmage after suffering from missed tackles. But he has a ton of potential after registering 77 tackles and one interception.
QUINCY RHODES JR., DE, ARKANSAS
Rhodes’ size is striking even for a defensive tackle. At 6-6, 275 pounds, Rhodes is a dominant run stopper who has the length and strength to be a solid every-down pass-rusher.
For the Razorbacks, Rhodes finished with 44 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. The Jets could use reinforcements on their defensive line after they struggled to defend the run this season. They could also add more depth to their defensive line with the inconsistencies of Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson.
Rhodes is not a finished product by any means, but he would instantly improve the Jets’ defense.
