The Jet Press Podcast: New York Jets draft recap, best picks, letter grades

In the latest episode of The Jet Press Podcast, Justin Fried and Mike Luciano break down the New York Jets' 2026 NFL Draft class, analyze the team's best and worst picks, provide letter grades for each selection, and more.

The show opened with a discussion on the Jets’ decision to select Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey at No. 2 overall. Both Justin and Mike explained why they have warmed up to the pick in the days since the draft, noting that the Giants’ plan to use Arvell Reese more as an off-ball linebacker may have revealed the NFL was not nearly as high on his edge projection as many fans believed.

From there, the hosts discussed first-rounders Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr., focusing on how each player could fit into the Jets’ offense this season.

Mike was more bullish on the Sadiq selection, while Justin expressed some hesitation about the team’s vision for him. Both agreed that this certainly felt like a Frank Reich pick.

Justin and Mike were fully aligned on second-round cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, however, praising both the player and the person. Justin also shared a personal story about meeting Ponds and why Jets fans should be excited about him as a person and a player.

The duo then moved to Day 3, discussing why defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. makes sense as both a short-term rotational piece and long-term investment.

They also revisited the controversial Cade Klubnik pick, agreeing it was their least favorite selection of the draft, though not one worth panicking over. Klubnik has the potential to develop into a quality long-term backup.

The final two picks rounded out the show. Justin and Mike talked through Miami guard Anez Cooper’s strengths, flaws, and possible future as a John Simpson replacement, before closing on Kansas State safety VJ Payne, whom both believe could end up being one of the steals of the Jets’ draft.

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