Which Jets' Rookie Will Have Biggest Impact on Team in 2026?

The New York Jets, after a successful offseason of acquiring new talent, will now look to build off their efforts heading into the 2026 NFL season.

While general manager Darren Mougey was able to land multiple key veterans on both sides of the ball throughout the free agency period, the front office also managed to do damage in this year’s draft class. But, despite the franchise possessing one of the deepest draft classes this offseason, the question becomes: which rookies will have an immediate impact during the upcoming season?

The Jets’ 2026 draft class includes three first-round picks, with the rest being as followed:

Round 1, No. 2: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Round 1, No. 16: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Round 1, No. 30: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

Round 2, No. 50: D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

Round 4, No. 103: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State

Round 4, No. 110: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

Round 6, No. 188: Anez Cooper, G, Miami

Round 7, No. 228: VJ Payne, S, Kansas State

Looking at the list of draftees, it’s clear that the Jets should see the impact of their rookies in year one due to the team selecting three players within the first round of the draft. Out of the eight picks, the most obvious choice to establish himself in 2026 is New York’s first selection, Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey.

The Jets’ pass rush was one of the worst in the NFL last season, as the unit finished with 26 sacks in 2025. And with the departure of former 2022 first-round pick Jermaine Johnson II, Bailey should automatically have a role on defense this upcoming season.

However, while the defense should benefit from the addition of Bailey, the offense also received multiple upgrades throughout the course of the offseason, including the likes of Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq and Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.

New York’s offense in 2025 also ranked near the bottom of most statistical categories, as the team averaged 263.2 yards per game and 140.3 passing yards per game. Luckily for fans, the Jets’ move to trade up back into the first round to acquire Cooper Jr. should greatly improve the struggling organization’s passing attack next season under newly-hired offensive coordinator Frank Reich.

Cooper’s main calling card as a wide receiver prospect was his unique yards-after-the-catch ability, as a good portion of his production came from this skillset. Reich has plenty of experience with pass catchers similar to the former Hoosier, such as former Indianapolis Colts receiver Zach Pascal.

Outside of Garrett Wilson, the Jets’ offense lacked reliable playmakers on the perimeter to take pressure off his plate. But with Cooper now in the mix, Wilson will be able to freely operate as the team’s No. 1 option in the passing game, while also bringing more stability at the position for newly-acquired quarterback Geno Smith.

Jets Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things New York Jets. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.