Andrew Buller-Russ
The New York Jets have a big week coming up with the 2026 NFL Draft rapidly approaching it’s kickoff on April 23. After finishing with just a 3-14 record, the Jets ‘earned’ the No. 2 overall pick in the first round. They also have the 16th overall pick, stemming from the Sauce Gardner trade to the Indianapolis Colts.
Many expect the Jets to select a pass-rusher with the second overall pick, but there’s been some debate over whether theyll target Ohio State’s Arvell Reese or Texas Tech’s David Bailey. After that? Things are even more uncertain.
However, according to Essentially Sports’ NFL insider Tony Pauline, the Jets “think highly” of Arizona’s safety/cornerback hybrid Treydan Stukes, and he’s been flying up draft boards since his season ended.
“Other than Dillon Thieneman of Oregon, few defensive backs have watched their draft stocks rise as quickly as Treydan Stukes of Arizona. Entering the season with Day 3 grades, Stukes is unlikely to get past pick 42 based on the information coming out of final draft meetings. Depending on what they do with their initial selections, keep an eye on the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets, both with a pair of choices in Round 1 and early selections to open Day 2. The Chiefs brought Stukes in for a visit, and the Jets think highly of him at the safety spot.”
Tony Pauline on New York Jets/Treydan Stukes
Stukes clocked a blazing 4.38-second 40 yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, tacking on a 38-inch vertical leap too. He’s played safety, nickel, and outside cornerback, and NFL evaluators believe he’ll be able to handle all three positions at the next level too.
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 Stukes is graded as the third-best safety on some teams’ boards. Others have him as the draft’s top nickel back.
The Jets have the second, 16th, 33rd, and 44th picks in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. Chances are, Stukes will be under consideration at 33 and 44, otherwise they may not get him at all.
Related: ‘Consensus’ Points to New York Jets’ Selection with No. 2 Pick
