Jets rookies have the chance to make NFL power rankings look foolish

The New York Jets brought in a very deep class of rookies in the 2026 NFL Draft, spearheaded by three first-round picks, but some in the NFL media landscape remain unconvinced that these players will make an impact.

David Bailey was ranked ninth overall in Bleacher Report's ranking of the Top 99 rookies, which is lower than some very surprising names (Jadarian Price at No. 2 says hello), but that range should be expected for a No. 2 overall pick. Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr. ranked 31st and 33rd, respectively, which isn't too far off where the consensus Big Board had him.

Fourth-round picks Darrell Jackson Jr. and Cade Klubnik were not listed in the Top 99, despite Jackson widely being regarded as a steal and multiple fifth-round picks making it over Klubnik. If these two both manage to perform even close to as well as they have looked in practice, they could force an update to that list quite soon.

Multiple New York Jets rookies not ranked in B/R's Top 99

While PFF didn't love Jackson in his preseason debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he has routinely been identified as one of the best defensive linemen from Jets joint practices. With immense size and length, Jackson, being developed by Karl Dunbar, may give the Jets a major difference-maker in the near future.

Klubnik looked the part in his first Jets action, making up for some shaky ball placement with some efficient throws and a willingness to go deep down the field. If something were to happen to Geno Smith, Klubnik, a former 5-star recruit, would be in line to start. He's shown flashes of possibly being something more than just a long-term backup.

New York Jets GM Darren Mougey needs to hit on Day 3 rookies

Either one of these players hitting would be welcomed by Mougey. While he did land Armand Membou and Mason Taylor with his first two 2025 NFL Draft picks, his Day 3 picks have been questionable.

Both fourth-rounders, Arian Smith and Malachi Moore, have been getting outplayed by veterans in a pivotal training camp for both of them. Kiko Mauigoa is firmly a backup linebacker and depth piece, and Tyler Baron seems like a lock to be cut. Jackson or Klubnik starring could reverse that poor run of form.

If paired with all three of the first-round picks, all of whom manage to pop, Mougey can show that he has this team finally pointing towards success in the immediate future.

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