Jets' Biggest Draft Winners and Losers as Rookie Minicamp Approaches

The New York Jets came away winners in the 2026 NFL draft, selecting multiple key building blocks to their foundation. But with the draft behind us, we’ve officially reached the dead zone in the offseason, where transactions are almost nonexistent.

While the Jets’ roster for the upcoming season is mostly set, let’s take a look at the biggest winners and losers after the draft.

Winner: Geno Smith

New York could’ve taken a swing at Ty Simpson or even used their huge amount of draft capital to make a run at a Fernando Menodz trade, but neither of those options ever really looked to be on the table. They instead opted to address other pressing needs. This decision not only solidified Geno Smith's standing as the starting quarterback but also displayed the Jets' brass’ confidence in the 13-year veteran.

Additionally, Smith, who threw a league-high 17 interceptions last season, also got some quality reinforcements in the draft with the selections of pass-catchers Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr. With an improved supporting cast, Smith is positioned perfectly for a bounce-back season.

Loser: Jets’ Backup Tight Ends

The Jets surprised many when they selected Sadiq at No. 16. Tight end wasn’t a vital need, considering that they had just drafted Mason Taylor in the second round the year prior, but it was still a position that lacked depth.

While Jets fans aren’t complaining, Jeremy Ruckert and Jelani Woods certainly could be. The addition not only creates fewer playing opportunities for the pair but also suggests that there will be a camp battle for the TE3 spot, with Ruckert having the edge.

Winner: Frank Reich

Before the draft, offensive coordinator Frank Reich inherited a horrendous offense that ranked last in net passing yards per game (140.3) and 29th in points per game (17.6). But with the additions of Sadiq and Cooper to pair with Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and Mason Taylor, Reich now has a much-improved cast.

Despite their abysmal air attack, the Jets had a solid ground game last season, tying for 10th in rushing yards per game (123.3) with the Seattle Seahawks. With this supporting cast, Reich has the tools to reshape the Jets’ offense into a modest threat.

Loser: Mazi Smith

Arriving as part of the Quinnen Williams trade, there was hope that Mazi Smith could at least turn into a quality rotational player on the interior d-line. Despite the change of scenery, the former 2023 first-round pick continued to disappoint, appearing in only three games and not recording a single tackle for the Jets.

With his poor showing in limited reps (54 snaps), general manager Darren Mougey bolstered the interior by selecting Darrell Jackson Jr. in the fourth round. While Smith should still get a chance to compete for a roster spot, the Jets declined his fifth-year option last week, signaling this is his last chance.

Winner: Jamien Sherwood

After an impressive 2024 campaign that earned him a three-year, $45 million contract extension, Jamien Sherwood disappointed in 2025. Although he logged 154 total tackles, Sherwood struggled in coverage, allowing 51 receptions for 578 receiving yards and four touchdowns, earning an egregious 46.1 coverage grade, per Pro Football Focus.

While the five-year veteran wasn’t on the hot seat, it was expected that the Jets would add another linebacker who specializes in coverage. Surprisingly enough, they didn’t, which shows head coach Aaron Glenn’s confidence in the former Auburn Tiger to improve in that area in 2026.

Loser: Braiden McGregor

Upgrading the pass-rush unit was the top priority for New York this offseason, and they did just that, adding Joseph Ossai, David Bailey, and Kingsley Enagbare to the mix. Now, the EDGE unit is crowded, leaving Braiden McGregor little opportunity.

McGregor still has a shot to make the roster; however, his unimpressive play last season doesn’t help his case. In 115 pass-rush snaps, the former Michigan Wolverine logged just one quarterback hit and seven hurries. With the Jets aiming to surpass their dreadful 26-sack performance last season, we should expect that McGregor isn’t in the picture this year.

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