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6 players Jets should consider on Day 3 of 2026 NFL Draft
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- 6 players Jets should consider on Day 3 of 2026 NFL Draft
The Jets drafted four players in the top 50 of the 2026 NFL Draft over the past two days, but still have work to do on Saturday.
They are scheduled to make five picks, including three in the fourth round. General manager Darren Mougeyalso indicated that the team explored a trade-up into the third round, so they may have a specific target or two in mind.
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Let's look at some prospects who could be on their radar:
QB Garrett Nussmeier - LSU
Nussmeier is probably the highest-profile quarterback prospect still available, but his stock has fallen after he had previously been considered a potential first-round pick heading into the 2025 season. There is some suggestion that he was limited by injuries that affected his performance and numbers, having previously passed for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024.
While New York is looking for their quarterback of the future, this is widely expected to be addressed in next year's draft. However, the addition of a smart passer like Nussmeier could give them someone who might develop into a backup option, and perhaps he can exceed expectations at the NFL level.
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OL Brian Parker II - Duke
Adding some offensive line depth seems likely and Parker could be a solid addition for the Jets if available. He is a three-year starter with adequate size and athleticism.
Parker played offensive tackle at Duke, but scouts reportedly believe his best NFL position could be at center. That would follow the career path of another recent Blue Devils offensive lineman, Graham Barton , who was a first-round pick two years ago.
LB Eric Gentry - USC
The late rounds are an ideal opportunity to target prospects that have an elite trait, and Gentry fits that description as he has an outstanding wingspan. His combination of size, athletic ability and 35-inch long arms could make him someone the Jets' coaching staff would be eager to work with as a developmental prospect.
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Those long arms will benefit him when tackling and could be a major asset in pass coverage. He also has a knack for forcing fumbles, as he forced five last season alone. That will appeal to a coaching staff that saw the Jets struggle to create turnovers last year.
DT Landon Robinson - Navy
Robinson is one of the most interesting prospects in the draft, as he is undersized and stands at only 5-foot-11. However, his film is impressive because of his technique and low center of gravity. He led the team with 6.5 sacks last season and was voted first-team All-AAC.
He's also an excellent athlete and has been exploring the possibility of converting to another position during the pre-draft process. The Jets were reportedly one of the teams that showed an interest in him.
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LB/S Kyle Louis - Pittsburgh
Louis is a player some NFL teams may consider to be a tweener, which explains why he wasn't drafted on day two. He is an undersized linebacker with good coverage skills but tested well enough at the combine that some teams may feel he would be better suited to a safety role.
In 2024, Louis had over 100 tackles, seven sacks and four interceptions. While his production slipped in 2025, that shows his potential. He might be a role player, perhaps limited to sub-packages, at the NFL level, but could still represent excellent value on day three.
K Trey Smack - Florida
Many experts believe that using a draft pick on a kicker is a waste of time, but the Jets currently have the right combination of need and resources that it is a realistic possibility in the later rounds. After Nick Folk's departure, the Jets only have international pathway player Lenny Krieg and journeyman Cade York under contract.
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Smack, who made 83 percent of his field goal attempts during his college career, including 10 from 50 yards or more, solidified himself as a potential pick during the pre-draft process. He made a 57-yard field goal in the Shrine Bowl, a 60-yarder at the combine, and a 65-yarder at his pro day.
