The Jets’ most glaring needs — an edge rusher and a wide receiver — are expected to be addressed with their two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
While the uncertainty surrounding whether they’ll pick Arvell Reese or David Bailey looms large at No. 2 overall, there’s discord among sportsbooks over who they’ll take at No. 16 to bolster their receiving corps.
As of the time of this writing, USC wide receiver Makai Lemon is the 7/1 favorite at DraftKings to be selected with the No. 16-overall pick.
Lemon is ESPN’s top-ranked wide receiver in the draft. He produced 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025 while adding limited but notable rushing usage with two scores on the ground. As a junior who declared early and shared targets, he doesn’t have one elite trait but checks every box at an impressive level.
The All-American is the 7/1 co-favorite at BetMGM with Indiana wideout Omar Cooper Jr., whose modest raw totals of 69 catches for 937 yards were more so a product of the Hoosiers’ low-volume passing offense rather than a lack of ability.
Cooper Jr.’s 13 touchdowns and prior 21.2 yards-per-reception mark as a sophomore point to big-play upside, and his experience as a full-time slot receiver with outside versatility only adds to his appeal.
At bet365 Sportsbook, Cooper Jr. is the 6/1 co-favorite with Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy, who could fill another roster hole after the Jets traded All-Pro star Sauce Gardner to the Colts last November.
McCoy missed all of last season after tearing his ACL in January 2025, but his 2024 production — 13 passes defended and four interceptions — highlights his playmaking ability in coverage. He’s equipped with strong instincts, physicality at the top of routes, and the speed and length to contest throws downfield, so he remains an intriguing prospect whose traits still flash despite the injury.
Traders at Kalshi are giving Lemon a market-leading 32-percent chance to join Gang Green at 16th overall. McCoy and Cooper Jr. are listed next with 19 and 17 percent shots, respectively.
Betting on the NFL?
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, who was the market favorite when it opened on Monday, plummeted 83 percent heading into Wednesday morning.
Simpson is ESPN’s second-ranked quarterback in the draft and is the odds-on favorite at bet365 to be the second quarterback taken behind Fernando Mendoza.
The Post’s Steve Serby’s mock draft projected the Jets to trade the 16th overall pick to the Eagles.
The Jets received this pick from the Colts in the Gardner trade, along with a 2027 first-rounder and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.
