The New York Jets received praise for their action-packed 2026 NFL Draft from CBS Sports.
New York general manager Darren Mougey made noise by trading back into Round 1. Heading to New York were three players in the first round: edge David Bailey, tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
Not every pick was highly praised but in the end, CBS Sports gave the Jets a high grade on their draft haul with an A overall.
The outlet only gave three teams an A mark, one of which was New York’s AFC East rival, the Miami Dolphins. The Buffalo Bills (B-) and New England Patriots (C) earned lower grades.
CBS Sports’ full breakdown can be found below:i
New York Jets: A
Best Pick: Second-round corner D’Angelo Ponds was one of my favorite players in this class. He is small, but feisty. Watch how good he becomes wherever he plays.
Worst Pick: I didn’t like the trade-up for Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik in the fourth. What’s the point? For a guy who will likely back up the quarterback they pick next year?
The Skinny: They killed it. Of course, it helped to have three first-round picks. EDGE David Bailey, the No. 2 overall pick, will be a star. I wasn’t as high on Kenyon Sadiq as some, but I get taking him with pick 16, and receiver Omar Cooper Jr. with pick 30 is a quality selection. It was a heck of a draft.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Jets earn top grade from CBS Sports for team’s haul
Reporting by Nick Wojton, USA TODAY / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
