Jets send unmistakable message to 5 players with NFL Draft choices

The New York Jets managed to come out of the 2026 NFL Draft class with a collection of projected new starters, including a new dynamic pass rusher in David Bailey, two passing game weapons in Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr., and a cornerback with high upside in D'Angelo Ponds.

A Jets roster that appears to be much improved from what they were last year is clearly not going to settle for another 3-14 campaign.

These five players have officially been sent a message by both Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey, as their spot as a key contributor could be adjusted or removed entirely if one of these picks hits their stride.

5 Jets players who got sent a message by 2026 NFL Draft choices

5. QB Geno Smith

The Jets traded two fourth-round picks to ensure they would have the chance to select Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik. Smith will be the starter, and a veteran may come to town, but this franchise clearly loved Klubnik, and they might not wait to make a change if Smith looks like Raiders Geno.

4. CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr.

Brownlee was a fairly productive player in his limited snaps for the Jets, but picking Ponds gives the Jets a possibly improved version of the same type of versatile cornerback. Brownlee will have a role with the secondary, but if Ponds is as good as the Jets think he will be, snaps might be harder to come by.

3. TE Mason Taylor

Taylor and Sadiq will share the field plenty in New York, and Sadiq's skillset won't threaten Taylor as an in-line tight end as a rookie. Issues may arise if the plan to get them both touches hits a roadblock. Much like Michael Mayer, Taylor could end up sidelined for the proverbial Brock Bowers high pick in Sadiq.

2. WR Adonai Mitchell

Mitchell's only saving grace right now is that he can play outside, while Sadiq and Cooper have not shown they can in the NFL just yet. The Jets have a vested interest in making those two top picks work, and that could lead to Mitchell gradually getting phased out of the offensive plan.

1. EDGE Will McDonald

McDonald and Bailey will be the starting edge rushers this season, but given their similar skill set, New York may not want to retain both of them long-term. All it would take for the Jets to possibly backtrack on their desire to extend McDonald is Bailey producing early, and one of Joseph Ossai or Kingsley Enagbare setting the edge with some aplomb.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow