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2026 NFL Draft Recap: New York Jets
David Bailey — EDGE, Texas Tech
Selected at No. 2 overall in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. The New York Jets made 8 total selections in this draft class.
SWN draft grade: A-
The Jets came away with three first-round picks and spent them on premium positions — Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey at No. 2, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16 (from the Sauce Gardner trade with Indianapolis), and Indiana receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30 (acquired through a series of trades). A defense-first identity paired with new weapons for a developing quarterback.
Players to Watch
The New York Jets' highest-impact 2026 draft picks — the rookies most likely to make immediate contributions and the ones to follow heading into training camp:
David Bailey
Round 1, Pick 2The Jets ended a heated organizational debate over their edge-rusher direction by selecting Bailey, the consensus top edge prospect in this class. Bailey posted 14 sacks his senior year with 26 over his college career, combining first-step explosion with hand technique that translates immediately to the NFL. Pairs with Jermaine Johnson for one of the most promising young edge duos in the league. Expected to start from Day 1.
Kenyon Sadiq
Round 1, Pick 16The Jets' second first-round pick (acquired in the Sauce Gardner trade with Indianapolis) gives the offense a true seam-stretching tight end. Combined with the Garrett Wilson receiver corps, this creates favorable matchups in the red zone and on third down. A modern receiving tight end whose blocking will continue to develop.
Omar Cooper Jr.
Round 1, Pick 30The Jets' third first-round selection (acquired through multiple trades from Denver via Miami via San Francisco). Cooper gives the Jets another perimeter receiving threat to pair with Garrett Wilson. Indiana's offense featured Cooper as a deep-ball specialist, and his 4.4 speed translates to the NFL immediately. A bold third Round 1 pick that signals the Jets' commitment to building around their young quarterback.
Full New York Jets Draft Class
| Round | Pick | Player | Pos. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | David Bailey | EDGE | Texas Tech |
| 1 | 16 | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon |
| 1 | 30 | Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana |
| 2 | 50 | D'Angelo Ponds | CB | Indiana |
| 4 | 103 | Darrell Jackson Jr. | DT | Florida State |
| 4 | 110 | Cade Klubnik | QB | Clemson |
| 6 | 188 | Anez Cooper | G | Miami (FL) |
| 7 | 228 | VJ Payne | SAF | Kansas State |