This week, the New York Jets were able to see their deep 2026 draft class on the field for the first time.
Top picks like second-overall edge rusher David Bailey and first-round wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. were given the first chance to learn how to be a professional at 1 Jets Drive on Friday morning.
It’s an exciting moment for the young players trying to prove their worth to Gang Green.
“It’s a blessing,” Bailey said. “I had a great experience at the Combine, but the main thing is I’m a football player. It’s a lot of fun putting on my helmet for the first time in a long time.”
No player is going to “surprise” during rookie minicamp. This is a time for instruction; for players to understand the system they are walking into and to have a chance to flash some of the intangibles that impressed the organization during the pre-draft process.
While there’s still a long way to go before any depth chart should be taken seriously, New York did offer an inkling of the roles they are planning for their incoming rookies, including Bailey and even some of their later selections.
Jets’ roles for 2026 class
New York already addressed what they expect to see from second-round cornerback D’Angelo Ponds. They are prepared to cross-train the Indiana product to play both in the slot and along the boundary.
As for fourth-round defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr., though, his role was a bit more up in the air. The Jets already had T’Vondre Sweat penciled in as their nose tackle, and signed David Onyemata to a free agent deal.
Despite the logjam at defensive tackle now, Gang Green still has a plan for the Florida State product.
“He will play a five-technique, a four-technique; he will be able to do that,” Glenn told reporters Friday. “And with his size and his length, like he really fits that role to a tee. Once we go to four down, we’ll see exactly how he operates at the nose and at the three-technique and we’re going to continue to develop that player.”
Jackson’s versatility will allow the Jets to use him in different ways. The same could be said for David Bailey.
It’s no secret that the nation’s 2025 sack leader from Texas Tech will have a key role for New York moving forward, but Glenn assured that the Jets have more than just one job in mind for him.
“There are a number of things that we plan on doing with him when it comes to just sub pass rush,” Glenn said of Bailey. “Listen, we have a roster full of guys that we can move around quite a bit and I’m excited about that. So, as we go through the process of really seeing exactly what each guy can do.”
New York teased the potential of using Bailey as a de facto edge rusher across the board. In a 3-4, he would be the outside linebacker. In a 4-3, he would be a traditional defensive end.
Bailey played both roles throughout his college career for Stanford and Texas Tech. It’s why the Jets are bullish on potential immediate impact from their top pick.
Depth matters
The Jets had a clear goal this offseason for their much-maligned defense: build a unit that could be deployed in many different ways. The kind of versatility that hasn’t been a staple of the organization for years.
Until now.
Whether it was the trade acquisition of All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, the signings of David Onyemata and linebacker Demario Davis, or the draft selections of Bailey, Ponds, and Jackson, the Jets are a much different unit than they have been in recent years.
It fits what Aaron Glenn has always wanted for this unit.
“I think we have a number of guys on this defense that you can put in different spots and put the same guys on the field,” he said.
Glenn understands the need for versatility in the modern NFL. No team is running one system and one style of play to great success anymore. If their carved-out roles for Bailey and Jackson can prove valuable, then the Jets might finally be building something the fanbase can be proud of.
