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An updated look at the 2026 New York Jets depth chart: Offense
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- An updated look at the 2026 New York Jets depth chart: Offense
We are two weeks removed from the 2026 NFL Draft and the New York Jets are being universally praised for the selections they made. The team instantly improved their pass rush with the selection of Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey with the second overall pick and focused on offense, adding Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq and Indiana receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
It looks like for now, the Jets are done adding to the roster and will try getting a new contract done with running back Breece Hall , currently playing on the franchise tag, and Joe Tippmann , who has quietly become a key piece of the offensive line.
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With the draft over, Let's take a look at the New York Jets updated depth chart on offense to see if any areas still need improvement:
Quarterback
Geno Smith , Cade Klubnik , Bailey Zappe , Brady Cook
The Verdict: Still needs improvement
The decision to trade up in the fourth round to select Klubnik was very surprising. But, he could also be a steal as his stock slipped due to a disappointing final season at Clemson. He has size and the arm strength that Frank Reich loves, but the Jets will most likely add a veteran at some point either before or during training camp. It would be a bit unfair to ask Klubnik to be the primary backup to Geno Smith even with a strong preseason.
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The free agent options are very thin with Tyrod Taylor and Cooper Rush the two best quarterbacks available. They recently met with Russell Wilson about potentially being a backup, but he's also considering retirement to join the crew at The NFL Today on CBS Sports. They could also trade for a veteran towards the end of the preseason as teams make their final cuts and finalize their rosters. Among the name that could be available include Will Levis , Dillon Gabriel , Tanner McKee and Anthony Richardson.
Running Back
Breece Hall, Braelon Allen , Isaiah Davis , Kene Nwangwu
The Verdict: Set
The Jets and Hall are still working on a long-term contract to keep the running back in New York. With the draft now over, GM Darren Mougey can focus his attention on getting one of his top offensive weapons signed and avoid any drama between player and team before training camp.
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Allen only played four games last season before suffering a season-ending injury. He should be fully recovered for training camp. Davis and Nwangwu provide depth at the position, but only Davis seems more likely to get carries in the backfield. Nwangwu, when healthy, is much more dangerous on special teams. Keep on eye on undrafted free agent signing Chip Trayanum . The Toledo running back averaged over five yards a carry to go along with 1,015 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
Wide Receivers
Garrett Wilson , Omar Cooper Jr., Adonai Mitchell , Arian Smith , Isaiah Williams
The Verdict: Almost Complete
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The Jets were aggressive during day one of the draft trading back into the first round to select Cooper Jr., who will serve as an excellent compliment to Wilson on the outside as well as the slot. This receiving group has plenty of speed with GW, Cooper Jr. and Mitchell and should allow Frank Reich to take more shots downfield.
Williams not only emerged as a dangerous kick returner, but a decent receiver that took targets away from Smith, who struggled to make an impact during his rookie season. The Jets could use a veteran wide receiver to round out the group, but Mougey will be patient and find a receiver at the right price. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Brandin Cooks are a few veteran options still available that should be in his price range and won't take many targets away from the rest of the group.
Tight End
Kenyon Sadiq, Mason Taylor , Jeremy Ruckert , Jelani Woods
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The Verdict: Set
This unit has potential to be one of the best in the NFL, especially after the selection of Sadiq, who could be a mismatch for opposing defenses as a slot receiver with his size and speed. Taylor is coming off a decent rookie season, but suffered a neck injury that cost him the last four games. He should be fully recovered in time for training camp and the selection of Sadiq allows the Jets to take their time easing Taylor back into his role.
Ruckert signed a two-year extension this offseason and could see a bigger role in the running game as a blocker. Woods hasn't done much since being claimed off waivers and will need a stellar preseason to make a case for staying on the roster.
Offensive Line
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Olu Fashanu , Armand Membou , Joe Tippmann, Dylan Parham , Josh Myers , Max Mitchell , Chukwuma Okorafor , Xavier Newman, Anez Cooper
The Verdict: Set
Not much changed with this unit outside of the selection of Cooper in the sixth round, who is massive at 6'6, 350 lbs. Besides allowing no sacks last season for the Miami Hurricanes , Cooper has also played a few games at tight end, so he could be used in a few creative schemes by Reich and passing game coordinator, Seth Ryan.
Membou will look to build on a very impressive rookie season and Fashanu did a solid job on the left side. Parham actually graded out better last year than John Simpson , who returned to the Ravens as a free agent. Myers may be the weakest on the line, but held his own after the injury to Alijah Vera-Tucker last year that moved Tippmann to right guard. The fact that the Jets didn't have to spend extensive resources in the offseason to shore up this unit speaks volumes for how good they played last season and can be even better this year.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: An updated look at the 2026 New York Jets depth chart: Offense
