Following yet another disappointing year for New York football, the Giants and Jets had high draft picks in this year’s NFL Draft. By the end of the night, these teams combined for five first round picks. Just as we did last year, let’s bring these teams to school and grade their selections.
1. Jets select edge rusher David Bailey (A-)
The Jets selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the second overall pick. Bailey is a freak athlete, running a 4.5 second forty-yard dash. Bailey is coming off a season where he had 14.5 sacks for the Red Raiders. The Jets defense is coming off one of the worst defensive seasons in NFL history as they recorded zero interceptions, marking the first time that has happened. Bailey will bring much needed spark to this defensive line.
2. Giants select linebacker Arvell Reese (A-)
The Giants, coming into the draft picking at 5 and 10, were major question marks. There were many different directions that they could go in, including selecting Ohio State’s Caleb Downs or Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson. The Giants ultimately selected Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the 5th pick. Although this may come as a surprise considering the Giants have already invested in their front seven, it makes sense when you consider that Reese is a wild card. He can play at practically any spot in the front seven, giving the Giants some flexibility.
3. Giants select offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (B+)
Following their selection of Reese at 5, the Giants selected Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa with the 10th pick, the pick that they acquired in the Dexter Lawrence trade. Mauigoa is a massive player, standing at 6’6 and 315 pounds. Mauigoa, similar to Reese, provides the Giants with flexibility, as he can play at either tackle position as well as playing on the interior. The only concern with this pick is Mauigoa’s alleged back problems. This injury was flagged during the NFL Combine, and considering the Giants vast injury history, this may not have been the wisest pick.
4. Jets select tight end Kenyon Sadiq (B-)
The Jets selected athletic Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the 16th pick, a pick they received from Dallas in the Quinnen Williams trade during the 2025 season. Sadiq has always been known for his athleticism, as he stands at 6’3 and runs a 4.40 second forty yard dash. Sadiq also possesses elite contested catch ability, which would slot him nicely in an offense that lacks firepower. Due to his smaller frame, Sadiq is not a strong run blocker, which makes this choice questionable since the Jets love running the ball with star running back Breece Hall. Regardless, the Jets made a solid selection, but they probably could’ve gone in a different direction.
5. Jets select wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (B+)
The Jets traded back into the first round to select Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr with the 30th pick. Cooper Jr is coming off a season where he won a national championship with Indiana. Cooper Jr uses his smarts to his advantage, as he is able to swiftly locate holes in zone coverage. He isn’t an elite athlete, but his savvy route running ability makes up for it. Pairing Cooper Jr with Pro Bowl wide receiver Garrett Wilson and the aforementioned 16th pick Kenyon Sadiq gives the Jets some solid weapons as they enter year two under Aaron Glenn and company.
