The overwhelming expectation is that the New York Jets are going to select the best defensive player in the 2026 NFL draft at No. 2 overall.
General manager Darren Mougey will have the opportunity to hand-pick that player. Pass rushers Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and Rueben Bain Jr., along with safety Caleb Downs and linebacker Sonny Styles, are among the five realistic possibilities.
The Jets then own the 16th selection later in the first round. What Mougey decides to do with that pick is a little more open to debate and discussion. Wide receiver, another defender, or even an offensive linemen all feels within the realm of possibility.
One prospect the Jets should absolutely shortlist is Penn State offensive guard Olaivavega Ioane. Largely considered one of the better and safer prospects in the draft, Ioane would complete the Jets’ offensive line. He’d be plug-and-play as a high-level contributor.
The Jets lost guards Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson to free agency. They signed Dylan Parham to plug one of those holes. As currently constructed, Josh Myers projects as the starting center, with Joe Tippmann at right guard. This was the Jets’ solution to losing Vera-Tucker to a season-ending injury last preseason.
Drafting Ioane would likely kick Tippmann back to his more natural position at center. Ioane would then replace Tippmann at right guard, sending Myers to the bench. That would complete the Jets’ offensive line transformation by giving them five ascending starters.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets should consider offensive lineman at No. 16 if he’s available
Reporting by Justin Melo, Jets Wire / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
