The New York Jets just got a massive vote of confidence from one of the most respected analytics outlets in sports. The Athletic recently released its in-depth breakdown of the 2026 NFL Draft for all 32 teams, and the Jets came away with the highest possible grade: an A-plus. They were one of only two teams—alongside the Cleveland Browns—to earn that top mark.

So what made the Jets stand out in such a crowded draft class? It all starts with their bold first-round move. The Jets kicked off draft-night drama by selecting Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick. While Bailey was rated as the second-best edge on the consensus board (behind Arvell Reese), The Athletic praised the pick for its high-impact potential. In the world of football, elite pass rushers are game-changers, and the Jets clearly identified Bailey as theirs.

But the real genius of the Jets' draft strategy happened months before the event. In a series of savvy trades, the Jets sent star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Colts and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys. Those deals not only netted them a treasure trove of future picks but also gave them three first-round selections in 2026. The Athletic highlighted these trades as a huge value-add, noting that the Jets will continue to reap the benefits next year.

When it came to the rest of their picks, the Jets stayed disciplined. They focused on premium positions with five of their first six selections, targeting areas that historically drive success in the NFL. The only exception was tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who was widely considered the top player at his position. It's a draft class built for the long haul, and the analytics back it up.

Whether you're stocking up on Jets gear or just following the team's rebuild, this kind of analytical validation is a sign of smart, forward-thinking football operations. The future in New York is looking brighter than ever.