Jets NFL draft grades: Top marks for Darren Mougey's 2026 class

Are the New York Jets headed for Gang Green-er pastures?

>General manager Darren Mougey had his work cut out for him entering the 2026 NFL Draft, coming off a putrid 3-14 season in his first year as Jets GM that left the team without some of its star talent and with the No. 2 overall selection.

>While the on-field product was bad, Mougey demonstrated shrewdness in deals during his tenure that may ultimately help New York in the long run. The blockbuster trades of cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive line cornerstone Quinnen Williams resulted in a massive bolstering of the Jets' draft capital in the 2026 and beyond.

>With some of that capital, Mougey's second draft may have done a bit to sharpen his reputation as an efficient drafter – that is, according to some NFL experts, including those at USA TODAY Sports.

>Here's how the Jets' individual picks graded out, as well as a grade for their overall draft class:

Jets draft pick gradesThe Jets made eight selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. Here's how each pick graded out, per USA TODAY Sports' Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz and Jacob Camenker:

2. New York Jets: David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech - Grade: BThe mystery is over. After being tied to Arvell Reese for much of the pre-draft process, Gang Green seemed to be attached more closely to Bailey in recent weeks. On some level, taking a proven pass rusher makes sense for a regime that needs to show it deserves the chance to build this team from the ground up. And he provides a more clear projection to the pros than Reese, the linebacker who only dabbled at edge rushing at Ohio State. But Reese might be have more upside as the bigger overall game-wrecker, and Bailey's pairing with the similarly built Will McDonald IV might prompt some issues for the Jets' run defense. Still, the instant disruption Bailey can provide to a group that registered just 26 sacks last season is undeniable. – Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon - Grade: BGang Green couldn't afford to keep pinning so much on Garrett Wilson in the passing game. That dynamic led many to believe that the Jets would target a pass catcher here. Rather than go for a wideout such as Makai Lemon or Omar Cooper Jr., however, New York rolls the dice on Sadiq. An instant mismatch due to his field-stretching speed, Sadiq has significant untapped potential as a seam threat, which he could unlock with Geno Smith attacking vertically. He's still somewhat of an unfinished product, though, so his acclimation period could be an extended one. – Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

30. Jets (from Denver Broncos via Dolphins and 49ers): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana - Grade: A-If Gang Green had taken Cooper at No. 16 overall, the move likely would have been lauded. Instead, the Jets managed to secure Kenyon Sadiq and still circle back to Cooper with a trade toward the end of the first. The slippery run-after-catch threat pairs well with Sadiq and Garrett Wilson, as he can own the underneath area and serve as a safety valve in the passing game. With a solid offensive line, Breece Hall and an upgraded receiving corps, things sure are setting up nicely for Geno Smith ... or a 2027 quarterback pick. – Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

50. New York Jets (from Lions): D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana - Grade: B+Aaron Glenn can surely appreciate an undersized cornerback who punches above his weight class. Ponds' limitations at just under 5-9 might be inescapable, but he otherwise checks off plenty of boxes of a high-end starter. – Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

103. New York Jets: DT Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State – Grade: BThe Jets added T'Vondre Sweat in a trade with the Giants but still need more talent along the interior defensive line to help replace Quinnen Williams. Jackson has great size at 6-6, 315 pounds with a huge wingspan and hands, but he's raw and needs to hone his technique to find consistent success at the next level. – Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

110. New York Jets: QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson – Grade: C+Here's your Day 3 flier at quarterback for the Jets. Klubnik was discussed as a potential early first-round pick heading into his final year, but things quickly went south for him and Clemson. That draft projection always looked lofty for a passer without a true calling card, but the former five-star still offers some occasional flashes when he's in rhythm. Inconsistency, however, has plagued him, particularly in his decision-making and ball placement to every level. Klubnik landing ahead of Garrett Nussmeier comes as a surprise, but he could hold down a backup spot and maybe even get a late trial run if New York determines it has seen enough from Geno Smith. – Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

188. New York Jets: G Anez Cooper, Miami (FL) – Grade: A-Cooper is a big-bodied guard (6-6, 334 pounds) who showed strong hands and point-of-attack power with the Hurricanes. His pro-ready size could allow him to challenge for a starting role sooner than expected, at least for a Day 3 pick, and the Jets needed interior offensive line depth after losing Alijah Vera-Tucker to the Patriots. – Jacob Camenker

228. New York Jets: S VJ Payne, Kansas State – Grade: APayne is a versatile, do-it-all safety who has a nice combination of size (6-3, 209 pounds) and speed. He could have gone much earlier than this, so this is an excellent value pick for the Jets. – Jacob Camenker

Jets draft gradesUSA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis graded the Jets' 2026 NFL Draft class with an A+, the top class in the NFL.

>Davis' explanation:

>It felt like Part 1 of a summer blockbuster, the highly anticipated draft sequel – generally and specifically to the NYJ – still a year away. But if things unfold as nicely in 2027 as well as Gang Green’s haul seemed to go this year, then New York should actually be a legitimate playoff contender by 2028 … or so. But OLB David Bailey, the second overall pick, TE Kenyon Sadiq, WR Omar Cooper and CB D’Angelo Ponds all project as immediate starters – Ponds and Sadiq both arriving courtesy of trades GM Darren Mougey made at last year’s November deadline. Even fourth-round QB Cade Klubnik could get an extended audition at some point this season – think Davis Mills in Houston. A team that also needs to progress with a significant cultural shift, was also probably wise to bring in Cooper and Ponds fresh off their championship run at Indiana. Admittedly, the Jets have “won” offseasons before, but it's time to find out if potential starts translating to a much better product on the field.

>This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jets NFL draft grade for all Darren Mougey picks, including David Bailey