Previewing how much Cade Klubnik and the Jets' draft class will play in 2026

Only a week remains until David Bailey, Omar Cooper Jr., and the New York Jets rookies take the field for their NFL debuts. Although every member of the Jets’ eight-man draft class is still with the organization, not all of them will suit up against the Titans in Week 1.

Today, let’s evaluate each player’s situation and where they fit into the Jets’ 2026 plans. Some, like Bailey and Cooper, will see significant action early on, while others are currently on injured reserve and ineligible to return before October.

Then, there are those in the middle, most notably Cade Klubnik. But let’s start at the top — or, more specifically, the No. 2 spot.

How much should the New York Jets expect their rookie class to play?

Round 1, Pick 2: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Bailey shouldn’t need much of an introduction. He’ll line up as a starting edge rusher in Week 1, and the Jets can only hope that’s the case for many years to come. What better way for him to open his career than by facing Cam Ward and the Titans’ offensive line?

Prediction: Bailey finishes among the leading vote-getters for Defensive Rookie of the Year, and he flourishes under Aaron Glenn’s watch. The media will resume its Bailey vs. Arvell Reese comparison despite the Giants moving the latter to interior linebacker — and yes, Giants fans, we expect big things from Reese, too.

Round 1, Pick 16: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Sadiq was always a strange selection, largely because the Jets had far greater needs at No. 16 than a tight end who drew Dustin Keller comparisons. The former Oregon standout didn’t help matters by missing the entire summer with a hernia. However, he is expected to play against the Titans in Week 1.

Prediction: Sadiq serves as the No. 2 tight end on passing plays, though Mason Taylor earns the lion’s share of the targets. Jeremy Ruckert’s strengths (pun not intended) as a blocking tight end will also cut into Sadiq’s snaps, and he’ll barely exceed 300 receiving yards.

Round 1, Pick 30: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

The Jets traded up for Cooper, and he’s expected to share snaps with Isaiah Williams in Week 1. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially not with how well Williams and Adonai Mitchell fared throughout the offseason.

Prediction: Cooper is solid yet unspectacular, but he does enough to leave the Jets feeling comfortable about their receiver room entering the offseason. Boldest take: Cooper provides more of an overall impact on the Jets than Carnell Tate will for the Titans, even after the latter went No. 4.

Round 2, Pick 50: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

Arguably the most discussed Jets rookie outside of Klubnik, the playmaking Ponds missed training camp and the preseason with a hip injury. However, the Jets did not place him on injured reserve, and Glenn has been optimistic about Ponds potentially playing against the Titans.

Prediction: Ponds plays limited defensive snaps through the season’s first month, but his flashes of brilliance leave fans wanting more. He’ll gradually work his way into the starting secondary and validate the widespread offseason hype.

Round 4, Pick 103: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State

We haven’t heard a ton about Jackson lately, which isn’t ideal for a fourth-round pick on a rebuilding team. If you’re looking for a bright spot, there were never any doubts about him making the 53-man roster.

Prediction: Jackson mostly plays on special teams and in blowouts, but there are enough flashes to warrant buzz about a second-year breakout.

Round 4, Pick 110: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

By now, you know Klubnik’s story. He’ll begin his rookie season as the No. 2 quarterback behind Geno Smith, though WFAN callers will likely offer their complaints. If they were angry enough about Rutgers’ shocking loss to UMass, we can only imagine their feelings after Smith’s first multi-interception performance.

Prediction: Smith will keep the Jets competitive throughout the first few months, so we won’t see much of Klubnik in the early going. However, we believe the Clemson product will start at least two games, including the Week 18 finale against Buffalo.

Round 6, Pick 188: Anez Cooper, G, Miami

Cooper stood out in the preseason opener against the Buccaneers, and fans quickly turned their attention to the sixth-round lineman. However, he suffered a shoulder injury two weeks later and subsequently landed on injured reserve.

Prediction: Cooper is eligible to return after four games, and he’ll remain a backup when healthy.

Round 7, Pick 228: VJ Payne, S, Kansas State

Don’t worry if you forgot about Payne, who missed the preseason with a bone bruise in his right leg. The Jets have since placed him on injured reserve with a designation to return, and there has been no update on his progress ahead of Week 1.

Prediction: If we see Payne in a regular-season game, it likely won’t come until December at the earliest. Depending on Glenn’s job status, Payne could be at risk of being cut next spring.

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