Jets' New, 'Unique Grading' System Revealed by Insider Following 2026 NFL Draft

The New York Jets implemented a new evaluation process for the 2026 NFL draft, and it appears to have paid off.

ESPN's Rich Cimini explained the Jets' strategy that was used to shape this year's draft class.

"For this draft, the Jets used a new player-grading system, one they created over the course of the year," Cimini stated. "It included a new numerical system and new color codes for different categories on the draft board. They decided to make a unique grading scale instead of using a previous one."

The Jets added a trio of future starters in the first round by selecting edge rusher David Bailey (No. 2), tight end Kenyon Sadiq (No. 16) and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (No. 30). They selected talented cornerback D'Angelo Ponds in the second round, and they surprisingly traded up to select quarterback Cade Klubnik in the fourth. Fourth-round defensive tackle Darnell Jackson Jr., sixth-round guard Anez Cooper and seventh-round safety VJ Payne completed the class.

By most accounts, New York was one of the biggest winners of this year's draft. B/R's Kristopher Knox graded the Jets' draft class at an A-, as did ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.

"This was a strong, stage-setting draft for the Jets, who will likely target their next franchise quarterback a year from now," Knox stated.