NFL Draft: 3 positions the Jets need to address

Darren Mougey checked multiple things off his to-do list this offseason and filled some big holes, mostly on defense. The Jets general manager is nowhere near done with building the roster.

The Jets have four of the top 44 picks in this month’s NFL Draft, which should enable them to add some impactful players. Here are three areas the Jets still need to address:

1. Wide receiver

The return of Garrett Wilson from injury will be a big boost for a receiver room that also features Adonai Mitchell, Isaiah Williams and Arian Smith. The Jets need another playmaker or two for new quarterback Geno Smith.

They are high on Mitchell, a third-year pro acquired from Indianapolis in the Sauce Gardner trade. The Jets believe Mitchell will grow from going through the entire offseason program and could develop into a No. 2 receiver.

“I look forward to seeing what AD is going to do,” Aaron Glenn said.

The Jets could and should add two more receivers, one veteran and one in the draft. Brian Thomas Jr., Dontayvion Wicks, Rashod Bateman and Quentin Johnston are wideouts who could be available. The Jets have the draft capital and flexibility to trade for a receiver.

“We’ll continue to evaluate the market and see is there an opportunity to add competition,” Mougey said. “I think everything's always on the table.”

The Jets also could use the No. 16 pick on a receiver, possibly Makai Lemon (USC), Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), Denzel Boston (Washington) or Omar Cooper (Indiana).

2. Backup quarterback

Glenn said he believes Smith is “the guy that’s going to lead us to the promised land.” The Jets still need a guy who’s going to lead them if Smith gets hurt.

Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe are on the roster. Neither is that guy. The Jets had interest in Carson Wentz, who played for new coordinator Frank Reich in Philadelphia and Indianapolis. Wentz re-signed with the Vikings.

Just like the receiver situation, the Jets should add a veteran and draft a quarterback. Mougey said the Jets “could potentially add another guy to the room before the draft.”

Tyrod Taylor, the Jets backup the past two seasons, is still unsigned. Cooper Rush is a possibility. Quarterbacks who could be available in trades include Tanner McKee, Will Levis, Jarrett Stidham and Spencer Rattler.

The Jets expectation is that the Jets, who have three first-round picks next year, will try to find their franchise quarterback in the 2027 draft. They have worked out Ty Simpson, Drew Allar, Carson Beck and Garrett Nussmeier from this year’s class.

Simpson could go in the first round, but 16 seems like a reach for him. If he drops, the Jets could take Simpson with the 33rd pick or try to acquire a late first-round pick for him. Glenn made it very clear that his drafting philosophy is “If you love the player, go get the player.”

Otherwise, the Jets could take a flier on one of the other quarterbacks on Day 2 or 3 and try to develop him.

“We're not trying to reach and grab for guys,” Glenn said. “We’re trying to draft guys that’s the best player.”

3. Edge rusher

The Jets could use the No. 2 pick and fill that need up front with Ohio State’s Arvell Reese or Texas Tech’s David Bailey. But the Jets aren’t married to the No. 2 pick if they get an offer they like.

“We'll always be open,” Mougey said. “We’ll always pick up the phone.”

If the Jets deal down, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles could be the pick. If they stay at two, it would be surprising if they didn’t take an edge rusher.

Mougey said one of the reasons the Jets traded outside linebacker Jermaine Johnson to Tennessee for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat was they “felt good about the edge market both in free agency and in the draft.”

The Jets didn’t make a big splash for an edge rusher in free agency. They signed Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare, two fifth-year players with an upside, to play opposite Will McDonald.

Reese’s athleticism, versatility and potential will make it hard for the Jets to pass up on him.

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.