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By Jordan Sigler
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The New York Jets have a trio of first-round rookies to be excited about this offseason, but one appears to be the best pick before training camp.
After a 3-14 season, the Jets were the second team on the clock in the 2026 NFL Draft. They selected pass-rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 pick and tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the No. 16 pick. Then New York decided to trade back into the first round to help its offense with wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. with the No. 30 pick.
Per Rich Cimini of ESPN, Cooper stood out as the best rookie on the Jets during OTAs this spring.
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"Cooper was their most impressive rookie in the spring, all but solidifying a spot in the three-receiver package," Cimini wrote. "He's a smooth route runner who adjusted nicely to an NFL-style offense. Because of his physical style and run-after-catch ability, he should be even better when the pads go on in training camp."
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The Jets haven't been able to evaluate Sadiq much because he missed OTAs and minicamp while recovering from hernia surgery. Sadiq is expected to participate in training camp and the preseason, but he'll have much to learn when he gets on the practice field.
Per Cimini, Bailey has shown flashes of being a talented pass-rusher at the NFL level, but he has more to show as a run defender.
"Bailey's first-step quickness jumps out even to the casual observer," Cimini wrote. "He still needs to work on his run defense and learn how to win with power in his pass rush, but he will have a major role."
As a receiver, it wouldn't be too surprising if Cooper has the biggest impact as a rookie for the Jets. It shouldn't be too concerning if Bailey isn't a dominant defensive end this fall as it usually takes defensive ends a couple of years to develop in the league.
For more on the Jets and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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