There’s an old adage in sports: if you look good, you’ll play good.

With rookie numbers announced heading into camp this week, the New York Jets will get their first glimpse of which players are locks to be superstars and those that need a change before they can succeed at the next level.

That’s just how important jersey numbers are.

In all seriousness, players should not be judged based on their jersey number choice. Not to mention, rookies’ initial jersey numbers are not final, as new options could open up in time. Jets fans may remember when Breece Hall wore No. 35 at rookie camp.

For the fun of it all, though, let’s go through the best of the number decisions dished out by the organization.

CB D’Angelo Ponds – #23

This is where the comparisons to head coach Aaron Glenn finally end. Glenn’s No. 31 ended up on the back of another rookie’s jersey, whom we will get to later.

Ponds will instead wear No. 23, an excellent cornerback number, joining the likes of Troy Vincent and Patrick Surtain Sr.

If Ponds is anywhere close to either player, the Jets should be over the moon with their second-round selection.

TE Kenyon Sadiq – #16

For a tight end, the number 16 isn’t going to instill much confidence. That’s normally a number reserved for the likes of a quarterback or top-flight receiver.

But for an offensive weapon? This could be as good as it gets.

Sadiq isn’t coming to the Jets to be just a tight end. His athleticism and 4.39 speed is something that will be moved all over the formation. Sadiq’s size-speed combination should make him a matchup nightmare, and his number reflects that.

QB Cade Klubnik – #10

Sam Darnold’s No. 14 didn’t work. Zach Wilson’s No. 2 was a disaster. Even Aaron Rodgers’ No. 8 was a mess.

If we are being honest, the top numbers that any good quarterback should wear are the following: 5, 7, 10, 12, 16, or 18. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik is opting for 10, the same as Chad Pennington, the second-best quarterback in Jets franchise history.

That might mean nothing. Or it could mean that he’s the savior the Jets have been waiting for. You be the judge.

Honorable Mention: EDGE David Bailey – #31

It always seems like a weird thing when an edge rusher wears a number in the 30s. The good news is that for a player like second overall pick David Bailey, keeping the college number he dominated in should be a good omen for his career.

The expectation should be that Bailey picks up right where he left off when he led the country in sacks. His college number should keep things comfortable for him going forward.