Story by
Winners, losers from the Jets' 2026 NFL Draft class
- Story by
- Winners, losers from the Jets' 2026 NFL Draft class
The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone.
As is the case each year, after the draft the roster has its share of both "winners" and losers." Those can be both prospects picked by the New York Jets , and the Jets made plenty of them with eight total, or veterans already on the roster.
Advertisement
With the dust settled on the 2026 draft, here are Jets Wire's winners and losers following the draft:
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; The New York Jets logo is projected on the video board during the NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images on the clock
Winner: LB Jamien Sherwood
While there were reports and rumors the Jets could've added at linebacker early in the draft, they did not. That leaves Sherwood in a good place on the Jets' roster even with Demaro Davis signing during free agency.
Winner: QB Cade Klubnik
Geno Smith will start at quarterback... but Klubnik only has Brady Cook with him in the QB room behind Smith. With the draft pick investment in Klubnik, he's much safer than Cook.
Loser: TE Jeremy Ruckert
Kenyon Sadiq might look like he hampers Mason Taylor 's roster spot. Really, it's Ruckert. Expect plenty of Sadiq and Taylor seeing the field in 2026 but Ruckert having a tough route there.
Advertisement
Loser: WR Arian Smith
The Jets gave Smith plenty of opportunity last season but now he's looking at a depth position. First-round pick Omar Cooper Jr. and Garrett Wilson will clearly will be the starting receivers and even the new tight end duo will cut into snaps.
Winner: OL Josh Myers
Myers essentially has a pretty straight shot toward a roster spot and starting position. Unless the Jets make another addition or move around other offensive linemen, it'll be Myers at center.
Winner: Will McDonald
Selecting edge defender David Bailey at No. 2 overall gives the Jets a threat on the defensive line across from McDonald. While Bailey could be viewed as a threat to playing time, more realistically, Bailey takes blockers away.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Winners, losers from the New York Jets' 2026 NFL Draft class
