Mel Kiper gives Jets' 2026 NFL Draft seal of approval despite some risky selections

The New York Jets officially polished off their 2026 NFL Draft class after making eight selections over the past three days. Between the addition of explosive pass rusher David Bailey at No. 2 overall and picking both Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr. in the first round, the roster has the speed injection they have needed for years.

ESPN's NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. seems to like what the Jets are building, seemingly taking the position that there is no such thing as having too many qualified defensive linemen and wide receivers in the modern NFL.

Kiper gave the Jets his lone A- grade, putting them as his fifth-highest-ranked team behind a quartet of A grades. Kiper was quick to praise the Bailey pick despite many Jets fans wanting new Giants linebacker Arvell Reese instead of the Texas Tech dynamo.

Kiper was a big fan of double-dipping at pass catcher with Sadiq and Cooper, and he was one of many who adored the Ponds selection. Kiper wasn't even too upset with picking quarterback Cade Klubnik in the fourth round, saying that he doesn't block them off from taking a passer in 2027.

Mel Kiper gives Jets A- grade after 2026 NFL Draft

Bailey, the highest-drafted defensive player in Jets history, is ultimately going to be what determines how good this class is going to be. If he can set the edge, Bailey's natural ability to fly off the snap and get to the quarterback should make him productive for years to come.

After Mougey came under fire last year for a subpar Day 3 collection, the later rounds appear much better this year. Fourth-round defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. has great run-stuffing potential, sixth-round guard Anez Cooper has immense power and years of starting experience, and seventh-round safety VJ Payne should have been drafted two rounds before he was.

The only pick that raised eyebrows and defied the consensus board is Klubnik. Once thought of as a possible first-round player before a down 2025 season, the Jets clearly think their offense can help get the prior year's version out of the former five-star recruit.

The Jets will need to make sure these picks can help this team turn things around on the field, but Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey's pre-draft process seems to be quite solid, and the roster is much more well-rounded than it was at this time one year ago.

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