Jets' 2026 Draft Picks Evaluated

Aaron Glenn's second season as head coach of the New York Jets has seen the team win two games and lose four of five contests by one score. A Week 7 loss to the previously winless Miami Dolphins has raised questions about Glenn's job security.

The Jets' 2026 draft selections have been a focal point of discussion, with the team's choices of David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq, and Omar Cooper Jr. coming under scrutiny. Bailey, selected second overall, has been credited with 26 pressures and 5.5 sacks through seven games, according to TruMedia.

Bailey's 15.4% pressure rate ranks 11th among players with at least 150 pass rush snaps, but his 3.62 seconds to sack is below average. His performance has been mixed, with some production coming late in the down or when a quarterback steps into pressure. He plays with maximum effort but could benefit from a more developed rush plan.

In the run game, Bailey demonstrates power and occasionally stacks blockers, though he has at times lost gap integrity. Despite these issues, he has played 81.3% of the defensive snaps, making him a full-time player for the Jets. His ceiling is likely that of a high-end No. 2 pass rusher, with the team holding three first-round picks in the 2027 draft to address potential needs.

Omar Cooper Jr., selected at No. 30, has made an immediate impact as a rookie receiver. He has appeared in three games and is among the top five rookie receivers in receiving yards, with back-to-back 100+ yard performances. Cooper excels in attacking zone coverages but is more limited against man looks. His physicality and elusiveness after the catch have led to an average of 9.3 yards after the catch per reception, the highest among rookie receivers with at least 10 receptions.

Kenyon Sadiq, taken at No. 16, has shown strong performance in the run game, acting as a bulldog who gets after blocks. He has also demonstrated natural pass-catching ability and excels at creating yards after the catch. Sadiq is third in that category at 6.3 yards after the catch per reception. He has played in all seven games after recovering from a hernia injury, though he missed most of training camp and the preseason.