Jets rookie stock report as training camp enters its next phase

The New York Jets had one of the biggest hauls of the 2026 NFL Draft, thanks in large part to four draft picks in the first two rounds.

They came away with several hopeful starters and even more young prospects that the team hopes can develop into future contributors. So far through training camp, there have been some real positive returns on their investments.

Each rookie has had their individual chances to shine, while others haven't even been able to stay on the field long enough to make an impact.

Which Jets youngsters should fans be buying stock in? And which ones should they be selling on?

New York Jets rookie updates at 2026 training camp

David Bailey, Edge

The No. 2 overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft came into training camp without much fanfare, which was shocking for the highest defensive player in his entire class.

With fewer eyeballs on him than expected, Bailey has been impressing in training camp-- living up to the lofty expectations bestowed upon him as a "win-now" player.

At a training camp practice last Thursday, the New York Daily News' Antwan Staley reported that Bailey was a force to be reckoned with, recording three (what should've been) sacks.

Verdict: Stock up

Kenyon Sadiq, TE

When the Jets selected Sadiq with the 16th overall pick, there was genuine excitement about the prospect of adding his physical abilities to New York's offense. After all, when's the last time this team took a major swing like that?

Unfortunately, that gamble has not paid off quite yet. Outside of a few highlight plays in rookie minicamp and early training camp practices, Sadiq is set to be sidelined for the remainder of the offseason.

The current hope is that he'll be recovered by the time Week 1 rolls around, but for now, his recovery from a minor hernia surgery has put a damper on the Sadiq hype train.

Verdict: Stock down

Omar Cooper Jr., WR

Cooper entered training camp as the Jets' fifth or sixth receiving option behind the likes of Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, Sadiq, and Mason Taylor. Despite that, the rookie still seems to be finding a way to make plays.

One that stood out was from Monday's practice when Cooper was able to haul in a high-arching pass from Geno Smith along the sideline in the pouring rain.

He's also reportedly been a solid safety valve underneath for Smith and the Jets' quarterbacks. It remains unclear how big a role he'll have in New York this season, but there's no question the reigning national champion is going to be a key piece moving forward.

Verdict: Stock up

D'Angelo Ponds, DB

In a similar vein to Sadiq, it's tough to judge Ponds considering he has yet to appear in a training camp practice this summer as he continues to recover from a calf strain.

It's disappointing because most analysts tabbed Ponds as a possible Day 1 starter for the Jets as the nickel cornerback. It will only be harder to win that job the more time he misses.

Aaron Glenn's most recent injury update indicated Ponds will be back sooner rather than later, and hopefully that's the case. The former Hoosier may be one of the most talented players they have in their secondary.

Verdict: Stock down

Darrell Jackson Jr., DT

Other than Bailey, it's hard to find another Jets rookie who improved his stock more than defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr.

With T'Vondre Sweat on the NFI list, Jackson has seen increased reps and is taking advantage of them. NBC Sports' Connor Rogers said the rookie "has flashed raw power" and could play his way into the Jets' already fairly loaded defensive line rotation.

Verdict: Stock up

Cade Klubnik, QB

Klubnik, despite being a fourth-round draft pick, is going to have many eyes on him throughout training camp. He's the only young quarterback on the roster that Jets fans haven't seen on the field yet (looking at you, Brady Cook)

The organization is clearly looking for him to take advantage of the opportunity in front of him and beat out both Bailey Zappe and Cook for the backup job behind Geno Smith.

So far, the early reviews have been mixed, as is to be expected for a rookie. We'll see if he can maintain a secure grasp on the QB2 job.

Verdict: Stock neutral

Note: There haven't been updates on Jets' sixth- and seventh-round picks G Anez Cooper and S VJ Payne. We'll have more on both players as training camp progresses.

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