Jets' NFL Draft grades for 3 first-round picks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Jets ended up being the busiest team on the first night of the 2026 NFL Draft.
They entered Thursday with two first-round picks. They ended it having made three selections: David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr.
They were all picks that it makes sense for Jets fans to be excited about.
The Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer put out grades on each selection, and it looks good for New York.
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It was a pick that had been expected for at least a few days, but it was a good one with the edge rusher from Texas Tech.
"The Jets make their call on who they think they can be the most disruptive pass rusher who can dominate blockers with speed and quickness," Iyer writes. "Bailey has that explosive profile and has a higher ceiling than Arvell Reese. New York also gets an unique athletic who can also help in coverage."
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The Jets weren't seen as a likely landing spot for the athletic Oregon TE, but he's a talented player.
"The Jets had been attached plenty to taking the No. 3 wide receiver, Makai Lemon, at this spot, but go to Sadiq instead in trying to get a key second target behind Garrett Wilson," Iyer writes. "New offensive coordinator Frank Reich does have some good history in getting the most out of athletic receiving tight ends, but Sadiq was a bit of a luxury for a rebuilding team with more direct offensive needs."
This was Iyer's favorite pick for the Jets, an 'A+' grade.
Cooper was a national champion WR at Miami, and the Jets traded back into the first round to get him.
"The Jets end up still getting a choice first-round wide receiver via a smart late trade up with the 49ers," Iyer writes. "Cooper has some needed big-play ability to stretch the field, making him the needed complement for Wilson. Between him and Sadiq, the Jets are setting up their future long-term franchise QB (and Geno Smith) with some prime weapons."
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