Jets’ 2026 NFL Draft mission is clear: Build the roster for next franchise quarterback

(Imagn Images/SNY Treated Image)

1 / 2

Jets’ 2026 NFL Draft mission is clear: Build the roster for next franchise quarterback

1 / 2

Jets’ 2026 NFL Draft mission is clear: Build the roster for next franchise quarterback

2 / 2

Jets’ 2026 NFL Draft mission is clear: Build the roster for next franchise quarterback

(Imagn Images/SNY Treated Image)

He probably wants the line back – “promised land.” Aaron Glenn wasn’t wrong in what he was trying to say at the NFL’s annual meeting, though. Geno Smith is, right now, exactly what the Jets need. A competent, above-average quarterback who can orchestrate an NFL offense.

Competence. A low bar, but one the Jets must clear before getting anywhere else.

In the meantime, the Jets have a mission. One they worked toward carrying out in the first round of Thursday’s NFL Draft. Their future at quarterback – the one who will actually take them to the promised land – isn’t here yet.

But once he arrives, the Jets want to have an environment cultivated for his development. That, after Thursday, they’re well on their way to creating.

The David Bailey**-**Arvell Reese debate will be carried out for the next decade-plus. The added layer of the cross-town rival Giants selecting Reese makes it even more compelling. The Jets had their choice at No. 2: The proven pass rusher in Bailey, or the high-upside phenom in Reese.

They chose Bailey, a player many believed to be the best pure pass rusher in the class. A young quarterback’s best friend is a defense that keeps a game close. Bailey, and his 14.5 sacks last year, do that. He’s a lightning bolt around the edge with deceptive strength to bull rush when tackles set wide. He’s not a great run defender, which could prove troublesome because neither is Will McDonald, but the good outweighs the bad.

With No. 16 (courtesy of the Sauce Gardner trade) and 30 (via a trade-up with the 49ers), the Jets went the more direct route. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr**.** add to an offense in desperate need of playmakers.

A quarterback’s best friend is one who can keep a game one possession. Bailey helps do that. In Sadiq and Cooper, the Jets infuse their offense with talented pass catchers.

Rookie quarterbacks are nothing new for the Jets. They took Sam Darnold third. They took Zach Wilson second. Their focus during both additions: Get the quarterback, then work on everything else. Under Darren Mougey and Glenn, the thought process evolved.

Build the team, then add the passer.

The Jets offensive line isn’t perfect, but among the better in the NFL. Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou have the potential to be among the better combinations in the NFL. Between them are Dylan Parham, Josh Myers and Joe Tippmann. They now have a trio of pass catchers (AD Mitchell, Garrett Wilson and Cooper). They have two tight ends (Sadiq and Mason Taylor). They have three running backs (Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis).

None of this means anything until the Jets get their quarterback – ultimately, Mougey and Glenn will be graded and judged completely on that. But before they get there, they’re here – and here is continuing to infuse the roster with talent.

They did so on the first day of the NFL Draft. They still have five more picks to continue doing so.