Competition is coming for everyone associated with the New York Jets. Gang Green made eight total selections in the 2026 NFL draft, including four in the top 50.

Naturally, not every draft pick will see the field right away, even for a rebuilding team like the Jets. Nonetheless, everything should be on the table for a 3-14 squad.

With rookie minicamp set to begin in Florham Park, N.J., on May 8, it’s time to analyze which of the Jets’ young newcomers have the best chance to start for the team once Week 1 rolls around.

Interestingly, a couple of omissions could be considered surprising — when evaluating the New York Jets depth chart.

David Bailey

As the second overall pick, there cannot be a situation where Bailey is getting back-up edge reps. It would be a horrific look for the Jets’ draft process if the No. 2 overall pick doesn’t play in all situations immediately.

Bailey’s entire calling card is getting to the passer, thanks to his speed and physicality. That’s something the Jets desperately need, especially considering the team was dead last in sacks and pressure rate last year.

Bailey needs to be the starter in Week 1. If he isn’t, well, that could be a major problem.

D’Angelo Ponds

The Jets’ cornerback trio of Brandon Stephens, Nahshon Wright, and Jarvis Brownlee seemed like a quality group going into the regular season.

Then the team drafted D’Angelo Pounds.

The Indiana cornerback may only stand 5-foot-8, but the Jets loved his competitive fire and ability to cover taller players at receiver.

There’s a good chance the team’s competition at corner will be won by Pounds, thus giving the Jets multiple starters within the first two picks.

Darrell Jackson Jr.

Is it a reach that the Jets’ fourth-round nose tackle could get starting time in Week 1 ahead of the player acquired for Jermaine Johnson? T’Vondre Sweat’s strength is run-stopping, just like Darrell Jackson Jr.

Sweat was one of the best players to do exactly that at the NFL level last season as well.

But just as is the case with Ponds, Jackson is the kind of prospect who could break out very quickly in minicamps and training camp practices.

If the Jets are truly prepared to have quality competition in spots like nose tackle, Jackson could see more early playing time than expected.

No Jets’ weapons?

Both Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq and Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. will have quality roles on this team this year, with immediate offensive roles. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be starting, though.

The word on Sadiq is that he may need time to develop and learn New York’s scheme, while getting some work in at 12 personnel with fellow tight end Mason Taylor. Cooper will compete with Adonai Mitchell.

They’ll get time, but they may not be seen as traditional “starters.”

That doesn’t mean New York thinks less of either pass catcher; it just means they have a different plan to allow their development to naturally progress.