It’s a widespread opinion that the New York Jets had an outstanding draft, but the resurgence in the Big Apple likely won’t happen overnight
By Matthew Serocki | May 12, 2026
Many NFL analysts have given the New York Jets one of the top grades following the 2026 Draft. New York made three first-round selections this year after a few trades. Edge rusher David Bailey was their own selection as the second overall pick of the entire draft.
After a trade with Indianapolis (for cornerback Sauce Gardner), New York selected top tight end prospect Kenyon Sadiq 16th overall. To cap off an exciting first round, New York traded with San Francisco for the 30th pick, selecting Indiana Wide Receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
Adding three young stars who could help out right away earned the New York franchise praise from the outside and optimism for a team that has perennially been one of the league’s worst squads over the last 15 years. The picks will mark head coach Aaron Glenn’s second year at the helm. While every team should feel hopeful ahead of every NFL season, Jets fans need to hold back on the potentially huge expectations brought on by what’s perceived as a phenomenal draft.
The team had a top-five defense from 2022 to 2024 thanks to Saleh’s scheme and personnel like Quinnen Williams, Quincy Williams, Gardner, and Will McDonald. There’s a track record of having a great pass rusher like Bailey, but the team’s success didn’t match the hype.
Adding a veteran like Geno Smith at quarterback is an upgrade over Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor, but he’s also a turnover machine. He threw 40 touchdowns with 32 interceptions over the last two years. Giving Garrett Wilson a running mate should help with his game, but New York had Davante Adams in 2024.
Let’s not forget that Gang Green plays in a division featuring an annual Super Bowl Contender with one of the league’s best players (Josh Allen and the Bills) and the defending AFC Champion New England Patriots.
Winning five games instead of three would obviously be an upgrade, but with the hype coming out of Pittsburgh following the 2026 NFL Draft, fans must temper their expectations. Things can change year to year, but a record of productive players in a great scheme didn’t translate into much success.
The Patriots did go from 4-13 to 13-4, but New England has been a stable organization that’s endured numerous scandals. The franchise is one of the best in professional sports. The Jets, however, are on the other end of the spectrum.
They haven’t made the playoffs since 2010, and their last winning season (10-6) was in 2015 under Todd Bowles. The best thing Jets fans could do heading into the 2026 season is to wait and see with realistic expectations that two or three more wins are likely the best they can hope for in 2026. Anything more will be a bonus.
Matt Serocki is a freelance journalist based outside of Boston, Massachusetts. He’s been an avid NFL and MLB fan for over 35 years, and his favorite teams are the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and Washington Commanders. Matt also writes about professional wrestling for Sportskeeda.