Jets 2026 Mock Draft: New York Set to Use Colts’ First-Round Pick from Blockbuster Sauce Gardner Trade on Alabama QB Ty Simpson

As the 2025 NFL season mercifully winds down for the New York Jets—currently sitting at a dismal 3-13 heading into their finale against the Miami Dolphins—the focus has squarely shifted to the 2026 NFL Draft. Under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, the Jets executed one of the most stunning rebuild moves in recent memory at the November trade deadline: shipping two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and two premium first-round picks (2026 and 2027).

That trade, combined with dealing Quinnen Williams to Dallas for additional capital, has armed New York with an arsenal of picks: their own first-rounder (projected top-5), the Colts’ 2026 first (likely mid-to-late teens if Indy makes a playoff run), and multiple others across 2026 and 2027. With Justin Fields benched, Tyrod Taylor injured, and Brady Cook providing little hope, the quarterback position is the glaring void. The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner, in his latest 2026 mock draft released December 30, 2025, has the Jets using the ex-Colts pick on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson—an SEC standout with high-upside traits but undeniable risk.

This selection would mark the Jets’ boldest swing yet at ending their decades-long quarterback curse.

The Sauce Gardner Trade: A Franchise-Altering Haul

The Gardner deal shocked the league. Just months after inking him to a record-breaking extension making him the highest-paid cornerback in history ($30.1M AAV), the Jets flipped the 25-year-old phenom for massive return. Colts GM Chris Ballard, aggressive in win-now mode with a contending roster, paid dearly: Adonai Mitchell (a disappointing second-year WR) plus first-rounders in 2026 and 2027.

Gardner, a 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year and perennial All-Pro, immediately bolstered Indy’s secondary alongside Kenny Moore II. For New York, it signaled full rebuild: tear down the defense built around elite talent to stockpile assets for offense, particularly quarterback.

As of early January 2026, the Jets own:

• Their own 2026 1st (projected No. 4 overall)
• Colts’ 2026 1st (projected No. 18-22)
• Additional 2026 picks from other deals
• Multiple 2027 firsts

This capital gives GM Mougey flexibility: trade up for a blue-chipper, stand pat for multiple bites, or even punt QB to 2027’s loaded class (Julian Sayin, Dylan Raiola, Arch Manning?).

Why Quarterback in 2026? The Failed Experiments Continue

The Jets’ QB timeline is a horror story: Zach Wilson bust, Aaron Rodgers injury-plagued twilight, Justin Fields’ 2025 flop (sub-60% completion, turnover issues). Fields was benched mid-season for Brady Cook, who offered stability but no dynamism.

Experts agree: New York can’t wait. The 2026 class, while not elite like 2025’s, features intriguing arms—headlined by Indiana’s Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, Oregon’s Dante Moore, and SEC options like Simpson and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers.

Baumgardner projects Mendoza and Moore gone in the top-5, leaving Simpson as a high-reward fallback with the Colts’ pick.

Ty Simpson Scouting Report: Boom-or-Bust SEC Arm Talent

Ty Simpson, Alabama’s redshirt junior, finally claimed the starting job in 2025 after backing up Jalen Milroe. At 6’2″, 205 pounds, Simpson possesses a cannon arm, elite velocity, and pocket poise reminiscent of a young Matthew Stafford.

2025 Stats (through CFP):

• ~3,500 passing yards
• 28 TD / 5 INT
• 64% completion
• Standout CFP win over Oklahoma: carved defense with tight-window throws

Strengths:

• Arm strength/talent: Lasers balls into coverage; deep-ball accuracy
• Mobility: Escapability, designed runs add dimension
• Processing: Quick release, progresses reads well under Kalen DeBoer

Concerns:

• Limited starting experience (one full season)
• Second-half regression: Accuracy dipped late 2025
• Size: Not ideal frame; takes hits

Baumgardner calls Simpson “a very intriguing option” for teams like the Jets—risky but franchise-altering if he hits. Comparisons range from Baker Mayfield (feisty competitor) to Jayden Daniels (arm + legs).

In New York’s offense under Nathaniel Hackett (or potential new coordinator), Simpson’s gunslinger style could thrive with weapons like Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, and rookie Adonai Mitchell.

Full Jets 2026 First-Round Projections

With two first-rounders, the Jets address QB and more:

1. Own Pick (~No. 4 overall): EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami – Explosive pass-rusher to replace lost defensive juice.
2. Colts’ Pick (~No. 18-22): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama – The headline grabber; developmental QB with starter upside.

Alternative scenarios:

• Trade up for Mendoza/Moore (costly but franchise QB)
• Bypass QB, load trenches (e.g., Peter Woods DT Clemson)
• Double-dip offense: WR Jordyn Tyson (ASU) or TE Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon)

Rebuild Timeline and Fan Reaction

Jets fans, scarred by decades of dysfunction, are split: some hail the Gardner trade as genius asset accumulation; others mourn losing a generational talent for “another QB project.”

Owner Woody Johnson endorsed the fire sale: “We’re building sustainably.” Early 2026 free agency could add veterans (e.g., Tee Higgins?) around the rookie class.

If Simpson pans out, this mock becomes legendary—the pick acquired by trading Sauce launches the next era. If not? Another chapter in Jets infamy.

The 2026 Draft (April 23-25 in Pittsburgh) can’t come soon enough. For a franchise starving for hope, Ty Simpson represents calculated gamble on SEC pedigree.