New York Jets steal NFL Draft's 1st round spotlight

The first round of the much-anticipated 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, and the New York Jets have stolen the show by making three picks and grading out in the round with an A+.

The second pick was a toss-up for the Jets, with them being projected to snag Edge/LB Arvell Reese from Ohio State or LB David Bailey from Texas Tech. New York chose Bailey, whom they thought was the most disruptive, to oppose offenses. His speed and quickness made him the more intriguing pick for the Jets. Bailey can also drop back and cover, giving them another versatile weapon on defense.

With the 16th pick, folks thought the Jets would draft a wide receiver, as they had with the second pick. Instead, the team chose to go with a standout tight end, Kenyon Sadiq, from Oregon. New offensive coordinator Frank Reich does have a history of getting the most out of athletic tight ends. Sadiq is 6-foot-3 and weighs almost 250 pounds. He provides another weapon and security blanket to go along with Garrett Wilson on the outside.

The Jets would make a trade with the 49ers to get a much-needed wide receiver. Makai Lemon had already been taken, and New York was attached to his name in most mock drafts leading up to the draft. Instead, the Jets would draft Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., who finished a national championship season with 69 catches for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. Standing at just over six feet, he may be considered small, but he has been clocked at over 21 mph.

The New York Jets appear to be building something special, and with that, their first round in the 2026 NFL Draft has been given a resounding A+ by most outlets.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: New York Jets steal NFL Draft's 1st round spotlight