The New York Jets Draft Grade reflects a franchise aggressively reshaping its roster after a disappointing 2025 season. Armed with three first-round selections, the Jets added explosive offensive playmakers, reinforced the secondary, and continued building a foundation around veteran quarterback Geno Smith and head coach Aaron Glenn.
The New York Jets 2026 NFL Draft Class is Officially Here !
How would you GRADE this Draft Class ?!#NFLDraft #JetUp pic.twitter.com/gyZPbqqZ9x
— π πππ πππΏππΌπ« (@NYJets_Media) April 25, 2026
Round 1 (No. 2) David Bailey β EDGE, Texas Tech β Grade: C-
Round 1 (No. 16) Kenyon Sadiq β TE, Oregon β Grade: B+
Round 1 (No. 30) Omar Cooper Jr. β WR, Indiana β Grade: A+
Round 2 (No. 50) D’Angelo Ponds β CB, Indiana β Grade: A+
Round 4 (No. 103) Darrell Jackson Jr. β DT, Florida State β Grade: B
Round 4 (No. 110) Cade Klubnik β QB, Clemson β Grade: B+
Round 6 (No. 188) Anez Cooper β IOL, Miami β Grade: B-
Round 7 (No. 228) VJ Payne β S, Kansas State β Grade: B-
NY Jets Overall Draft Grade: B+
The Jets’ first round was a roller coaster. The selection of David Bailey second overall raised eyebrows. While Bailey possesses elite pass-rushing traits, questions remain about his consistency against the run. Pairing him with Will McDonald IV creates plenty of athleticism, but whether it significantly upgrades the defense remains to be seen.
The tone changed dramatically later in the evening. Kenyon Sadiq gives New York another athletic tight end capable of stretching the field, while trading back into the first round to select Omar Cooper Jr. could prove to be one of the biggest steals of the draft. Cooper was widely projected as a top-15 selection and should immediately become a dangerous complement to Garrett Wilson.
Day 2 featured another outstanding value selection in D’Angelo Ponds. The former Indiana standout brings excellent instincts and could quickly become a cornerstone in the secondary.
The Jets also added developmental quarterback Cade Klubnik, giving themselves another young option behind Geno Smith while strengthening several positions throughout the roster. Overall, New York addressed immediate needs while adding athleticism across the offense and defense, earning a solid B+ draft grade.
David Bailey Topps Now card now available https://t.co/F7tiIaw4XL pic.twitter.com/NdjQgAUe1A
— BaseballHistoryNut (@nut_history) April 24, 2026
NFL Rookie Minicamp Results
The Jets held rookie minicamp from May 8 through May 10 at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn. The three-day camp introduced the rookie class to the team’s offensive and defensive systems while evaluating more than 50 players, including draft picks, undrafted free agents, first-year players, and tryout participants.
David Bailey immediately began working at multiple positions along the defensive front, giving the coaching staff flexibility to deploy him as either a traditional edge rusher or an outside linebacker.
Kenyon Sadiq emerged as one of the weekend’s biggest standouts, impressing coaches with his athleticism and ability to create mismatches in the passing game.
Omar Cooper Jr. displayed the burst and run-after-catch ability that made him one of the draft’s most coveted receivers, while Cade Klubnik confidently directed the rookie offense during installation drills.
Following the conclusion of minicamp, the Jets signed veteran offensive lineman Landon Young and linebacker Jaden Keller after both impressed during tryout sessions. The rookie class has since transitioned into Organized Team Activities and will report for training camp in late July.
New York Jets Updated 2026 Win Total Projection
The consensus New York Jets odds project the team to finish with 5.5 wins during the 2026 season. We’re taking the Over. Six wins isn’t asking for much, and this roster appears significantly improved from the team that won just three games a season ago. The biggest difference begins at quarterback.
Instead of entering another season with uncertainty under center, the Jets now have veteran Geno Smith directing the offense. He may not be an MVP candidate, but he provides stability, experience, and the ability to consistently distribute the football to playmakers like Garrett Wilson and Omar Cooper Jr.
The defense should also take a noticeable step forward. Adding veterans Minkah Fitzpatrick, Demario Davis, and David Onyemata immediately raises both the talent level and leadership throughout the unit. Combined with promising young defenders from this draft class, New York should become a much tougher team to score against.
The schedule is another reason for optimism. Analytical models rank the Jets as having the fifth-easiest schedule in the NFL, giving them numerous opportunities to stack wins against rebuilding opponents. Reaching six victories feels much more attainable with that type of schedule.
A healthy Breece Hall also changes the equation. His ability to control the running game should take pressure off Geno Smith while allowing Aaron Glenn to play complementary football.
The AFC East remains competitive, especially with the New England Patriots expected to contend again, but the Jets no longer look like a team destined to finish near the bottom of the standings.
Will they make the playoffs? Probably not. Can they improve by three or four wins? Absolutely.Between a much stronger defense, competent quarterback play, a favorable schedule, and an impressive rookie class, this feels like a team capable of winning six or seven games. That’s why we’re taking the Over 5.5 wins heading into the 2026 season.
The Jets are signing RB Breece Hall to a 3-year, $45.75M extension! π
Over or under 5.5 wins for New York this season? π€ @FanDuelCanada | #JetUp pic.twitter.com/YWWMLdpjtY
— TSN EDGE (@TSN_Edge) May 8, 2026
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