Jets' polarizing Darrell Jackson Jr. pick could spell doom for Harrison Phillips

The New York Jets held one of the first few picks at the top of the fourth round, and used it on Florida State defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr., scooping him up with the 103rd overall pick.

It's a good addition for New York, which could've used an extra body on its interior defensive line. Jackson joins trade acquisition T'Vondre Sweat, Jowon Briggs, free agent signee David Onyemata, and veteran Harrison Phillips.

It's a fairly deep group, and the rotation should be strong for the Jets in 2026, but is there a chance that one of those veterans' jobs is in jeopardy thanks to the Jackson draft pick?

It's hard to say for sure, but if any of the Jets' defensive tackles should be looking behind their shoulder, it's Phillips.

Darrell Jackson Jr. draft pick could be bad news for Jets' Harrison Phillips

Now, Phillips shouldn't be concerned because of his play; that's not the case at all here. In fact, the veteran defensive tackle was one of the Jets' best defensive players last season, especially after the Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams trades.

According to Pro Football Focus, Phillips graded out as the 24th-best interior defensive lineman in 2025, among 134 qualified players, and boasted the sixth-best run defense grade in all of football.

The problem is, Phillips is entering the final year of his contract, and is due $7.5 million in 2026. That salary is not guaranteed, and the Jets could cut him to give themselves the full $7.5 million in cap space.

Should New York do it? It depends. Does their new draft Jackson have what it takes to be a Day 1 contributor? His PFF run defense grade would suggest, yes, he might be able to.

What Jackson won't be able to replicate if the Jets move on from Phillips? Veteran leadership. The former Minnesota Viking was one of the only vocal leaders New York had on the field last season, and his presence would be sorely missed.

Now, the Jets did add more veterans this offseason, like Demario Davis and David Onyemata, two grizzled guys who will be able to take on a leadership role for the young Jets.

But Phillips, after playing one season in New York, likely knows what Aaron Glenn is looking for, and it remains ultimately unlikely the Jets actually move on.

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