The New York Jets received high marks for their 2026 NFL Draft under GM Darren Mougey, following a challenging 3-14 season. Key trades boosted their draft capital, setting the stage for future success.
Key points
New York Jets received high marks for 2026 NFL Draft
Darren Mougey is the Jets' general manager
Jets finished 2025 season with a 3-14 record
Key trades boosted Jets' draft capital
Trades involved Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams
Mentioned in this story
New York JetsDarren Mougey
Sauce GardnerQuinnen Williams
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:
2026: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana - Las Vegas Raiders
Q&A
What were the New York Jets' draft grades for 2026?
The New York Jets received top marks for their 2026 NFL Draft, reflecting positive evaluations of their selections.
Who is Darren Mougey and what is his role with the Jets?
Darren Mougey is the general manager of the New York Jets, responsible for overseeing the team's draft strategy and player acquisitions.
How did the Jets improve their draft capital for 2026?
The Jets improved their draft capital through significant trades involving cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams.
What was the Jets' record in the 2025 NFL season?
The New York Jets finished the 2025 NFL season with a disappointing record of 3-14.
Related Articles
NBA·Recap
NBA playoffs winners and losers: Ayo Dosunmu puts the Nuggets on the brink, Jalen Brunson gets some help
NBA playoffs: Ayo Dosunmu's 43 points lead Timberwolves over Nuggets, series at 3-1.
CBS Sports Headlines··1 min read
MMA·Recap
UFC Fight Night 274 bonuses: Major highlights few, far between
UFC Fight Night 274: Record Decisions and Dana White's Dinner Chaos
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Soccer·Recap
San Diego Wave beat Denver Summit in stunning comeback to maintain No. 1 spot in NWSL
San Diego Wave pulls off stunning comeback to beat Denver Summit and stay No. 1 in NWSL!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
‘Let’s freakin go!’ - Watch the Seahawks’ priceless call of fifth-round pick Beau Stephens
Exciting news as Seahawks draft Beau Stephens after trading up!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL
2026 NFL Draft Grades for all NFC Teams: Giants earn high marks, 49ers get an F
2026 NFL Draft Grades: Giants excel while 49ers fail with an F
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Soccer·Recap
TST Images: Portland Timbers defeat the San Diego FC 2-1, at Snapdragon Stadium
Portland Timbers secure a 2-1 victory over San Diego FC at Snapdragon Stadium
2017: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M - Cleveland Browns
11 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2016: Jared Goff, QB, Cal - Los Angeles Rams
12 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2015: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
13 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2014: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina - Houston Texans
14 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2009: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia - Detroit Lions
15 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2008: Jake Long, OT, Michigan - Miami Dolphins
16 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2007: JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU - Oakland Raiders
17 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2004: Eli Manning, QB, Ole Miss - San Diego Chargers (traded to New York Giants)
18 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2003: Carson Palmer, QB, USC - Cincinnati Bengals
19 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2002: David Carr, QB, Fresno State - Houston Texans
20 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2001: Michael Vick, QB, Virginia Tech - Atlanta Falcons
21 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2000: Courtney Brown, DE, Penn State - Cleveland Browns
22 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
1999: Tim Couch, QB, Kentucky - Cleveland Browns
23 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
1998: Peyton Manning, QB, Tennessee - Indianapolis Colts
24 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
1997: Orlando Pace, OT, Ohio State - St. Louis Rams
25 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
1996: Keyshawn Johnson, WR, USC - New York Jets
26 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
1995: Ki-Jana Carter, RB, Penn State - Cincinnati Bengals
27 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
1994: Dan Wilkinson, DT, Ohio State - Cincinnati Bengals
28 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
1992: Steve Emtman, DT, Washington - Indianapolis Colts
29 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
1991: Russell Maryland, DT, Miami - Dallas Cowboys
30 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
1990: Jeff George, QB, Illinois - Indianapolis Colts
31 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
1989: Troy Aikman, QB, UCLA - Dallas Cowboys
32 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
1988: Aundray Bruce, LB, Auburn - Atlanta Falcons
33 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
1987: Vinny Testaverde, QB, Miami - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
34 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
1986: Bo Jackson, RB, Auburn - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (did not sign, later joined Los Angeles Raiders)
35 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
1985: Bruce Smith, DE, Virginia Tech - Buffalo Bills
36 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
1984: Irving Fryar, WR, Nebraska - New England Patriots
37 / 37
No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
1983: John Elway, QB, Stanford - Baltimore Colts (traded to Denver Broncos)
Jets draft pick grades
The 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: B
The 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
Gang 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
The 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: A
Payne 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
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.
