The Jets wrapped up the NFL Draft without securing a franchise quarterback.
Not really a shocker there.
Nevertheless, the remaining roster looks significantly better positioned for Geno Smith to thrive soon and make things easier for the QB the Jets aim to bring on board in 2027.
Here’s a roundup of the Jets’ draft picks and their grades:
Round 1, 2nd overall: David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)
If Bailey consistently racks up double-digit sacks, concerns about giving up points might fade away. Maybe we could fine-tune techniques due to our efforts.
Bailey stands out as the premier ready-to-go pass rusher in this draft, so the Jets opted for safety and also picked up high-upside Arbel Reese by moving him from linebacker to edge.
His quick first step is top-notch. Last season, he notched 29 career sacks, including 14.5, and boasted an outstanding pressure rate of 20.4.
Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich has ties to ex-NFL quarterback Andrew Luck, who is now managing Stanford football. Bailey spent three years at Stanford, where he earned a degree in Science, Technology, and Society.
Criticism arose for canceling Bailey’s pre-draft facility visit; if the pick doesn’t pan out, what could they have learned from another contact?
Grade: A
Round 1, 16th overall: Kenyon Sadik (TE, Oregon State)
Finding a mock draft projecting this pick might be a challenge.
But that doesn’t negate its value, considering the Jets also used a second-round pick on tight end Mason Taylor last year. Sadik is essentially the prototype for a “moving” tight end in a double-tight system, showcasing speed, athleticism, and a willingness to block effectively. He can operate as a tackle or in the slot, and he just looks fast when he plays.
The tape reveals some lapses in focus, but there are certainly standout moments.
Sadik is a unique case as he’s the first receiver or tight end selected in the first round with under 1,000 receiving yards since 2004. Yet, he clocked the fastest 40-yard dash for a tight end in ages at 4.39 seconds, hinting at potential mismatches.
Grade: A-
Round 1, 30th overall: Omar Cooper Jr. (WR, Indiana)
The Jets traded down three spots, adding a trio to their first-round picks, reminiscent of 2022.
Cooper is strong and capable of making those crucial first-down catches while also contributing in blocking, though tackle-making after receiving can be a struggle.
He did, however, make a pivotal catch against Penn State, toe-tapping in the end zone for a game-winning play.
With Cooper and Sadiq, the Jets’ passing schemes involving Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall ought to flourish. Since Wilson and Hall entered the league in 2022, the Jets have been among the lowest-scoring teams.
Cooper marks the fourth first-round receiver taken by the Jets in the last three decades, and it seems he’ll slot in as a starter alongside Wilson.
Grade: A+
Round 2, 50th overall: D’Angelo Pons (CB, Indiana)
Pons might have gone first-round if he were just a bit taller.
What sets him apart is the determination that comes from being an underdog.
He set an unusual NFL record last season with seven interceptions over his career (plus 32 pass breakups). He’s proven effective in stopping punts, only committed one penalty, and is recognized as a solid tackler.
However, he does face challenges when it comes to jump balls.
His potential might benefit from coaching by Glenn, with many analysts drawing parallels between Pons and Glenn’s own playing days.
Grade: A-
Round 4, 103rd overall: Darrell Jackson Jr. (DT, Florida State)
There’s a saying: “You can’t coach size.”
Jackson is still raw, having only recently taken up football in high school, but his 6-foot-5, 315-pound frame moves surprisingly well.
He has moments of brilliance but needs to develop consistency. When you combine his physical attributes with a hard-working approach, he could make life easier for other playmakers on the team.
Just don’t expect him to generate much pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Grade: A-
Round 4, 110 overall: Cade Klubnik (QB, Clemson)
The Jets were anticipated to take a chance on a developing quarterback for backup behind Geno Smith while waiting for franchise decisions next season.
It caught everyone off guard when they selected him earlier than expected… and to add to the surprise, it was Klubnik, not someone else. He was seen as a potential late-round pick, but they traded up for him.
As the No. 2 QB in the 2022 class, he threw for an ACC-high 290 passes in 2023 and recorded 36 touchdowns against just six interceptions in 2024, though his 2025 performance fell off a bit.
While Klubnik has touch and fluid movement, his arm strength raises questions. Is he really destined for anything beyond being a QB3?
Grade: C
Round 6, 188th overall: Anez Cooper (OG, Miami)
Cooper started and played over 3,000 snaps during his career, solidifying his position as a true freshman at Miami.
His strength lies in tight-space pass protection rather than blocking in open areas.
The Jets are lacking depth along the interior offensive line. Cooper’s extensive experience suggests he could handle physical contests if the team needed him to step in.
That’s why they made a move up, trading a seventh-round pick to snag him when he fell further than expected.
Grade: B
Round 7, 228th overall: VJ Payne (South, Kansas)
The four starting safeties for the Jets seem pretty set in stone.
So how does Payne fit into the equation? It might not matter much, as the value is hard to ignore at that stage.
Payne excelled against some of the top Big 12 tight ends during his 41 consecutive starts, matching their physical play (it’s not every day you find 6-foot-3 safeties) while being aware of positioning on every play.
The downside? He isn’t heavily experienced in special teams and, being a seventh-round pick, there are no guarantees.
Grade: B+
Overall draft class performance: A
