The regime of Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn completed their second NFL Draft since arriving in New Jersey. Despite a woeful 3-14 record during the 2025 season, the Jets were in a fortunate situation with four draft picks within the top 50. Did they address edge rusher? Have they found their number two wide receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson? Did they add a developmental quarterback? Now that the 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, let’s analyze and grade the newest members of the roster.
New York Jets Draft Grades
First Round(2nd Overall): David Bailey, EDGE Rusher, Texas Tech
After finishing second-to-last in sacks in 2025, the Jets need to get after the quarterback this year. As a result, general manager Darren Mougey selected edge rusher David Bailey from Texas Tech. After three years at Stanford, the California native transferred to Texas Tech in April. In his lone season in Lubbock, TX, the Texas Tech Red Raiders made their first College Football Playoff appearance. As for Bailey himself, he shone after leading the FBS in sacks with 14.5 and second in TFLs with 19.5.
Possessing explosiveness and good bend off the edge, Bailey can win in pass protection against most offensive tackles. Where he needs refinement is improving his hand usage, but working with Karl Dunbar gives him an experienced defensive line coach to help. While many might be disappointed about losing linebacker/edge rusher Arvell Reese, David Bailey just made the Jets front seven a lot better.
Jets Draft Grade: A
First Round(16th Overall): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
With their second first-round pick of the night, the Jets make a surprising addition. While many expected New York to target a tight end, instead, they opted for Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq. A pick that confused many, especially after drafting Mason Taylor in the second round last year. However, even though he’s listed at tight end, Kenyon Sadiq was lined up all over the field. Standing at 6’3″, 245 lbs, Sadiq is the big-bodied target for 50/50 balls the Jets offense has needed for years. Sadiq finished with 560 yards on 51 catches and eight touchdowns.
One key to the Jets confidence in taking Sadiq is working directly with offensive coordinator Frank Reich. During his time as a coordinator, Reich worked closely with great tight ends like Antonio Gates, Zach Ertz, and Eric Ebron. With Sadiq’s expansive route tree, he can have an easy time getting targets behind Garrett Wilson.
Jets Draft Grade: B+
First Round(30th Overall): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Jets traded up to San Francisco’s spot at No. 30.
Trade
NYJ – 33, 179
SF – 30— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 24, 2026
In the closing minutes of the NFL Draft, the Jets traded up with the San Francisco 49ers. In exchange for the 33rd and 179th overall picks, the Jets acquire the 30th overall pick and use it on a big piece of the Indiana Hoosiers offense. After Elijah Sarratt was injured late in October, the Hoosiers needed Omar Cooper Jr to step up, and he did. Cooper Jr finished 2025 with 937 yards on 69 catches and 13 touchdowns. While primarily a slot receiver, he has shown flashes of playing on the outside. Due to his speed, Cooper has been able to maneuver past nickel backs and challenge for deep routes.
The key for Omar Cooper is developing his route tree. One element that could interest Reich is also utilizing Cooper Jr in the run game. Cooper has shown at 6’0″, 199lbs to fight through contact, so he can add some versatility to the run game. Cooper ran for 74 yards on only three carries last year. If Cooper can improve his run blocking and ability to catch in space, he can be that long-term secondary wide receiver next to Garrett Wilson.
Jets Draft Grade: A+
Second Round(50th Overall): D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
After trading back up into the first round yesterday, the Jets traded back from 44th overall to the Detroit Lions. New York not only gains an extra 4th round pick, but stay in the second round at 50th overall. So, Aaron Glenn adds to his secondary by selecting Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds.
Ponds spent his freshman year at James Madison before following head coach Curt Cignetti to Bloomington to help transform Indiana into a National Champion. Traditionalists will point to Ponds frame as a weakness at only 5’9″ and 182 lbs. However, Ponds twitchiness and his composed approach by reading the quarterback’s eyes consistently. In fact, his profile is similar to that of his new head coach. Along with former second-team All-Pro cornerback Brent Grimes. Competing with Nashon Wright and Brandon Stephens, Ponds can have a realistic shot at starting sooner than expected.
Jets Draft Grade: B+
Fourth Round(103rd Overall): Darrell Jackson Jr, DT, Florida State
Utilizing their first of the final day, New York adds size to their interior defensive line. Darrell Jackson impressed during Senior Bowl week. His 6’6″, 320 lb frame allows him to plug gaps with 45 total tackles and 3 TFLs last year. While the tape was inconsistent, Jackson’s frame and nearly 35″ arm length make him an interesting gamble. He’ll need to work more on his hand technique to find consistent production as a backup. But he’ll have time behind T’Vondre Sweat and Harrison Phillips to work on that while diversifying pass rush moves.
Jets Draft Grade B
Fourth Round(110th Overall): Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
After moving up 18 spots, the New York takes a developmental quarterback in Clemson’s Cade Klubnik. The former projected first-round pick last year regressed, but can be a solid project for New York. Klubnik brings experience as a three-year starter for Clemson with over 10,000 passing yards and 73 touchdowns to 24 interceptions. Size and post-snap reads have been concerns for him after regressing from a strong 2024 season. Despite this, Klubnik’s accuracy and natural touch allow him to consistently layer throws. He has solid mechanics in a clean pocket and has enough speed with a 4.6 40 time to extend the pocket. Refining his off-script approach behind Geno Smith and working with Frank Reich, Klubnik can develop into a long-term backup with starter upside.
Jets Draft Grade: B+
Sixth Round(188th Overall): Anez Cooper, RG, Miami
The Jets traded up 11 spots to finally land some depth on the interior of the offensive line. With a need for guard depth behind Dylan Parham and Joe Tippmann, New York selects Miami guard Anez Cooper. At 6’5″ and over 340lbs, Cooper brings size and experience with 46 games played at right guard. He will lose battles to interior lineman pressure with good bend, but can win with decent hand technique and leverage in pass protection. He’ll need to limit his problems blocking in space, but he should be useful as a run blocker.
Jets Draft Grade: B-
Seventh Round(228th Overall): VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
With their final pick of the class, the Jets add a long and rangy safety with a ton of experience. With 42 games played, Payne shone in coverage with four career interceptions and nine PBUs. Expected to go early in day three, Payne’s struggles in completing tackles, and he will never be an enforcer against the run. Playing alongside a sound tackler like Malachi Moore and learning closely behind Minkah Fitzpatrick should benefit his development.
