It is hard for Jets fans to find much to get excited about when it comes to Gang Green, but they can at least feel good about the draft they just had. The front office did a great job filling gaps with talent and even found a quarterback who actually wants to be here. That’s a win.
Technically, the Jets have been in rebuild mode since 2025, but you could argue it’s really been since around 2010. With the talent they just brought in, this might finally be the draft that makes it stick.
Let’s take a look at the new faces of Gang Green:
Pick 2: ED David Bailey, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Pick 16: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon Ducks
Pick 30: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana Hoosiers
Pick 50: CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana Hoosiers
Pick 103: DI Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State Seminoles
Pick 110: QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson Tigers
Pick 188: G Anez Cooper, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
Pick 228: S VJ Payne, Kansas State Wildcats
Bailey
A safe pick for the Jets who should be able to contribute immediately on defense. They’ve been lacking true playmakers, but they got one in Bailey. There are concerns about his effectiveness against the run, but that could balance out with his dominance as a pass rusher.
Sadiq
An athletic tight end, and clearly a priority especially with the Jets passing on wide receiver Makai Lemon. This also makes it back-to-back years they’ve taken a tight end in the first two rounds after drafting Mason Taylor out of LSU last year. Sadiq is versatile and can be used in multiple ways, but he will need some time to develop.
Cooper Jr.
Should the Jets have waited to see if he fell to the second round? Maybe. But Cooper is a well-rounded athlete projecting as a WR2. The wide receiver room is starting to take shape with A.D. Mitchell, Garrett Wilson, and Omar Cooper Jr.
Ponds
Physical, strong in both man and zone, with great ball skills. He has been praised for his football IQ and instincts. The Jets traded back to get Ponds and picked up an extra fourth-round pick in the process great draft capital management. He’s expected to compete for a starting job right away.
Jackson
A solid depth pick. Jackson is a dominant player, but there are concerns about inconsistencies in his technique. Still, he has all the traits you look for in a defensive tackle. At worst, he provides quality depth while the coaching staff works on refining his game. The upside here is significant.
Klubnik
The Jets gave up two fourth-round picks to trade up for Klubnik, which raised some eyebrows. That’s a lot of capital for a quarterback who may top out as a serviceable backup and might not see the field this year. That said, his experience likely played a big role in the decision. He gets criticism for his arm strength but is widely praised for his ability to read defenses. And hey, he actually wants to be here. That might be worth a fourth-round pick on its own.
Anez Cooper
Another trade-up for the Jets to land the big guard out of Miami. Cooper played alongside Francis Mauigoa, who is now also in New York with the Giants. At 6’5”, 334 lbs, his size and length are his biggest strengths. He’s better in pass protection than in the run game right now, but there’s real upside here.
Payne
Great value pick. Payne was projected to go in the fourth or fifth round on many boards, so getting him in the seventh is a steal. He has the versatility to play both man and zone, which allows him to line up at either corner or safety. He recorded 40 tackles and one interception last season.
Overall Grade: B+
This was one of the better draft hauls for the Jets. Aside from giving up some questionable draft capital in a few spots, the front office and scouting department deserve credit for addressing key needs and adding quality depth.
Now, let’s just hope the coaching staff can get these guys playing to their full potential.
