A Look at the New York Jets’ 2026 Draft Picks

Following a 3-14 season that saw the team finish last in the AFC East, the New York Jets had an opportunity to upgrade their roster at the 2026 NFL draft, which took place over the course of three days in late April. By all accounts, the team succeeded in doing just that, receiving high marks from several outlets for their eight selections. Let’s learn more about each of these picks and why the draft class is generating so much excitement.

David Bailey: Round 1, No 2

Following the Raiders’ selection of Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1, the Jets had a difficult decision about whom to take with the second overall pick. The Jets ultimately went with Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey over Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, opting for the former’s proven pass-rushing skills over the latter’s talent and versatility.

Bailey’s reputation as a pass rusher is formidable: He tied for the most sacks in the FBS last year with 14.5 and finished his collegiate career with the Football Bowl Subdivision’s (FBS) highest pressure rate in the last decade. Called the “best pure pass rusher in the class” by one expert, he has the potential to add a jolt to a Jets defense that recorded only 26 sacks last year.

Kenyon Sadiq: Round 1, No. 16

The Jets didn’t have a need at tight end, having drafted Mason Taylor in the second round in 2025, but the athleticism and versatility of this Oregon product was too good to pass up. Sadiq, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 241 pounds, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds, faster than any player at his position since the statistic became official in 2003.

Sadiq’s size and speed will allow him to line up in the slot, meaning both he and Taylor could be on the field together. Sadiq showed that he could produce on offense in college, having made 51 catches for 560 yards and eight touchdowns last year.

Omar Cooper, Jr.: Round 1, No. 30

With Garrett Wilson the only proven receiver on the roster, the Jets needed more depth at the wideout position. The front office identified Omar Cooper as the man for the job and moved up three spots to select him.

At Indiana, Cooper stood out for his skills after the catch. He forced 26 missed tackles last year and finished with the most yards (505) after the catch in the Big Ten. Having played in a run-pass option offense in college, Cooper will need to adjust to a pro-style offense, but given New York’s thinness at the wide receiver, he may start as a rookie.

D’Angelo Ponds: Round 2, No. 50

This cornerback played well at Indiana, defending 21 passes and nabbing five interceptions over two seasons. Called a “pass-defense game-changer” by one expert, he’s the same size head coach Aaron Glenn was during his playing career. If Ponds has a career comparable to his coach, the Jets will have done extremely well with this pick.

The main concern about Ponds is his size. For a modern NFL cornerback, he’s small, making big wide receivers a potential mismatch for him. Still, he excelled playing on the outside in college, and Glenn said he’ll train Ponds to play both on the outside and at the nickel position.

Darrell Jackson Jr.: Round 4, No 103

Bailey, despite his prodigious pass-rushing abilities, is not considered a run-stopper, nor is his edge counterpart, Will McDonald IV. Recognizing a needed to bolster the team’s run defense, the Jets took this Florida State defensive tackle.

The six-foot-six, 315-pound Jackson will add size and physicality to the interior. Given he only started playing football as a high-school junior, however, he’s still raw and will need time to develop.

Cade Klubnik: Round 4, No. 110

The Jets were high on this Clemson quarterback, so much so that they traded away two picks to move up to take him. The selection surprised experts, who projected Klubnik as a fifth-round pick.

Klubnik’s stock fell last year as he turned in a disappointing 2025 season after showing promise in 2024, but some of the regression may have been due to Clemson underperforming last year. Experts expect him to compete for the backup or No. 3 quarterback spot in New York.

Anez Cooper: Round 6, No. 188

The Jets traded another two picks to move up to take this Miami offensive lineman. This 6-foot-6, 334-pound guard made 45 college starts and, with right tackle Francis Mauigoa, formed an ironclad right-side offensive line at Miami.

The Jets already have a pair of reliable guards on the roster, but in selecting Cooper, they’ve added a young prospect with incredible size who they hope will develop into a reliable contributor.

VJ Payne: Round 7, No. 228

VJ Payne demonstrated impressive versatility at Kansas State, playing free safety, strong safety, and big nickel. At 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds and with an 81-inch wing span, he’s also very big for a safety.

Because the Jets are well-tooled at safety, Payne may look to make an impression on special teams. If he pans out and makes it into the defensive rotation, he’ll have an opportunity to demonstrate the frenetic run-stopping ability he demonstrated in college.