The New York Jets have a big week coming up, with the 2026 NFL Draft fast approaching on April 23. After finishing with only a 3–14 record, the Jets earned the No. 2 overall pick in the first round. They also have the 16th overall pick from the Sauce Gardner trade to the Indianapolis Colts.
Many expected the Jets to select a pass-rusher with the second overall pick, but there has been some debate as to whether they would target Ohio State's Arvel Reese or Texas Tech's David Bailey. after this? Things are even more uncertain.
However, according to NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, the Jets "think very highly" of Arizona safety/cornerback hybrid Traydon Stukes, and he has been flying up draft boards since his season ended.
"Besides Oregon's Dillon Thieneman, few defensive backs have seen their draft stock rise as quickly as Arizona's Traydon Stukes. Entering the season with a Day 3 grade, Stukes is unlikely to move past pick 42 based on information coming from the final draft meetings. Depending on what they do with their initial selection, keep an eye on the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets, both with Round 1 choices. With a pair of and early picks to open Day 2. The Chiefs brought Stuck in for a visit, and the Jets think highly of him at the safety spot.
Tony Pauline on the New York Jets/Traydon Stukes
Stukes ran a stellar 40-yard dash of 4.38 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine, as well as a vertical jump of 38 inches. He has played safety, nickel and outside cornerback and NFL evaluators believe he will be able to handle all three positions at the next level as well.
While Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is generally regarded as the third-best safety in the draft class behind top-10 pick Caleb Downs and fellow first-round safety Dillon Thieneman, Pauline reports that Stucks is graded as the third-best safety on some teams' boards. Others have him as the top nickel back of the draft.
The Jets have the 2nd, 16th, 33rd and 44th picks in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. Chances are, Stukes will be considered at picks 33 and 44, otherwise they might not get it.
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