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| David Bailey. Photo Credit: Emilee Chinn/Getty Images. |
With the second overall pick of the 2026 NFL draft, the New York Jets selected edge rusher David Bailey from Texas Tech, and they weren't done. They entered Thursday night with two first round picks (the 2nd and 16th overall), and finished with a third first pick, acquiring the 30th overall pick from the San Francisco 49ers for a second and fifth round pick.
There was an ongoing debate throughout the pre-draft process over who was the better pass rusher and who the Jets would pick between David Bailey and Arvell Reese, who was eventually picked 5th overall by the New York Giants. There was, in my opinion, much ado about nothing as far as where the Jets were going with the pick when they cancelled their meeting Bailey recently. All of the questions and speculations have now been answered--well, as far as who's better between Bailey and Reese won't be determined until a few years from now.
With the selection of Bailey, the Jets get a much needed pass rusher, someone who can dominate and wreak havoc off the edge in the 3-4. From what I saw, I liked the effortless way he rushes the passer. I liked his pursuit against the run, and he didn't quit on plays. The only thing I would like to see more of is his ability to cover, which is something he will have to do from time to time in the 3-4.
Grade: A+
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| Kenyon Sadiq. Photo Credit: Lindsey Wasson/AP Photos. |
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
With the 16th pick, the Jets selected tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who was considered by far the best tight end in the draft, and I agree. He's a tight end with the speed of a wide receiver; his rare combination of size and speed is going to be a problem at the next level.
I'm sure some might take issue with this pick because they already have Mason Taylor, but I'm loving the idea of the two of them as a tight end duo. They're going to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. If Kenyon continues to develop and take his skills to the next level, I can easily see them starting both guys.
The main thing I think he needs to work on is being more consistent as a blocker, and, just I said about Mason Taylor last year--except with Mason, I said he needs to be more physical as a blocker--that's an easy fix, it's just a matter of effort.
I said the same thing about him that I said about Brock Bowers a couple of years ago: if he goes to a team that knows how to use him, he's capable of eventually becoming an elite tight end like Rob Gronkowski, Tony Gonzalez, Travis Kelce, Shannon Sharpe, etc. I think he's capable of becoming that type of talent.
Grade: A
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| Omar Cooper Jr. Photo Credit: Icon Sportswire/Getty Images. |
When I thought they were done for the night, they traded back into the first round to get wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. Considered an underrated prospect, he was one of Fernando Mendoza's many weapons, and was an integral part of the Hoosiers' success last season.
While can play on the outside, most of his work was done in the slot. On a side note, it's funny how sometimes you can see a play, and not realize certain details about it until after the fact. For example, I remember watching the play where Mendoza threw the game winning touchdown pass against Penn State that Saturday afternoon late last year, but I didn't realize it was Cooper who caught the pass until they showed the play again last night after he was drafted.
This is another area where they seriously need help on the side of Garrett Wilson. Adoni Mitchell showed flashes last season, but they needed more depth at that position.
Grade: A+
