Episode 2,737 - What Do the Data & Analytics Say About The Jets 2026 Draft Class (Part 2)? w/Jim Cobern

The New York Jets' 2026 draft class, analyzed through data and analytics by Jim Cobern of All Pro Football Data, reveals a strategic but cautious approach with mixed results. While the Jets landed a solid B-grade draft overall, the evaluation highlights both promising value picks and notable risks. Daryl Jackson, their third-round defensive tackle, boasts elite physical traits—long arms, high athleticism—but falls short in production, landing at a 79/100 data grade and fitting the profile of a mid-tier starter rather than a franchise cornerstone. Cade Klubnick, their fourth-round quarterback, is a polarizing pick: his 2024 season was elite (87th percentile efficiency), but a disastrous 2025 dropped him to a fourth-round selection. Cobern argues he’s not a dumpster fire but a potential Jeff Hostetler-level backup with room to develop, especially in red zone and third-down efficiency. Late-round picks like Arnest Cooper (guard) and VJ Payne (safety) offer high upside for minimal risk, with Payne’s elite 92nd percentile speed making him a sneaky gem. Cobern credits the Bills, Cardinals, and Browns with top-tier drafts, while noting the Jets’ class was strong but not elite—especially with Kenyon Sadiq’s reach and positional value concerns. The episode underscores that in the modern NFL, data-driven drafting is less about perfection and more about maximizing upside within constraints. The core takeaway? The Jets didn’t win the draft, but they didn’t lose it either.