Time has flown, and just like that, it's year two of the Aaron Glenn coaching era. The New York Jets said goodbye to some familiar faces. Former stars Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams now play for other teams. Adonai Mitchell and Mazi Smith are here to replace them, respectively.
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In addition, draft capital was added, three first-round picks spanning the next two selection meetings (one this April and two in 2027). New York also owns an additional second-rounder in 2026. All of that has been said to say this. Glenn and his staff can really put their stamp on this team and make it their own.
General manager Darren Mougey has two selections in the top 16 with which to play, including the second-overall selection. The Jets own four of the first 44 picks. They're in a position to do some damage. Where they should attack in terms of roster building seems an easy decision to make.
1. Quarterback
At the annual league meeting, Coach Glenn did what was expected (and necessary). He publicly threw his full support behind quarterback Geno Smith. As you know, this is Smith's second run with the team, so most have followed his career pretty closely. It seems hard to believe that he'll lead this team to the promised land, as Glenn suggests he is capable.
No worries... There is some talent in this class. Fernando Mendoza is the presumed first-overall selection and will soon be property of the Las Vegas Raiders. This is the game's most important position, and it would be optimal if one of the first two picks were spent on an offensive signal-caller.
2. EDGE
Though we complicate the game at times, roster football can sometimes be simpler than we believe. Once the franchise quarterback is found, you find guys to protect him. On defense, you find pass rushers to make the opposing quarterback's life miserable.
Joseph Ossai was added this offseason, but outside of Will McDonald, there isn't anyone else returning from last year's roster who opposing offenses would be frightened of weekly. McDonald led all Jets defenders with eight sacks last season despite only playing in 15 games.
3. Wide Receiver
Geno Smith (or the rookie quarterback) won't be able to man the offensive aerial attack alone. Garrett Wilson missed all but eight games and sat on injured reserve due to a knee sprain. There isn't much outside of him. This team needs starters and depth.
Some may flip wide receiver and EDGE in terms of pressing needs, but in this class, it seems more impact players might be found on the board at wideout as the selection meeting ventures into the middle to late rounds.
4. Cornerback
After mentioning roster building earlier, it seems only right to bring up something. Sometimes, it doesn't matter how good those guys up front bringing the heat are if the guys in the secondary behind them can't cover.
Saying the Jets need help in the secondary is an understatement. This unit, as a whole, gave up just under 30 points per game (29.6). They gave up 216.1 yards per game through the air and surrendered 36 touchdown passes. They must address the position in the draft, and no one would complain if they did so before Round 2 ended.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 4 big needs the New York Jets must address at the 2026 NFL draft