National reactions: Jets praised for Round 1 picks at 2026 NFL Draft

The New York Jets left the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Jets kicked off this year's draft using their original two top picks.

At second overall, pass rusher David Bailey was selected and then at No. 16 tight end Kenyon Sadiq was picked. In a deal with the San Francisco 49ers, New York managed to trade back up to the No. 30 selection to draft wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.

The NFL world nearly universally praised Gang Green for coming away with three potential starting players at the end of Day 1 of the 2026 draft.

Here is a roundup of national media reaction to the Jets' three picks in Round 1:

Reactions: Jets praised for Omar Cooper Jr., Round 1 picks

Can't argue with the Jets having the best draft. Love David Bailey. Really like Sadiq and especially Omar Cooper.— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 24, 2026

Reactions: Jets praised for Omar Cooper Jr., Round 1 picks

I LOVE what the Jets have done.

Now get a QB next year.— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 24, 2026

Reactions: Jets praised for Omar Cooper Jr., Round 1 picks

Omar Cooper:

forced a missed tackle on 39% of receptions

#1 in class

19% of catches scored a TD

#2 in class

#5 best run blocking grade in class

7.2 YAC per reception

#8 in class

22 career TDs...

and only 5(!) drops on 171 career targets pic.twitter.com/YVEnd891yK— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 24, 2026

Reactions: Jets praised for Omar Cooper Jr., Round 1 picks

The Jets have made 3 first round picks tonight:

DE David Bailey
TE Kenyon Sadiq
WR Omar Cooper, Jr.

They also own 3 first round picks in 2027.— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 24, 2026

Reactions: Jets praised for Omar Cooper Jr., Round 1 picks

Jets won the 1st round
best edge rusher
best TE
potentially elite WR

AND they are loaded with draft picks next year

ARROW POINTING UP— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) April 24, 2026

Reactions: Jets praised for Omar Cooper Jr., Round 1 picks

Most missed tackles forced per reception in a season among drafted Power Four wide receivers in the last five draft classes (min. 50 receptions):

1. Luther Burden
2. Omar Cooper— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) April 24, 2026

Reactions: Jets praised for Omar Cooper Jr., Round 1 picks

Jets getting three starters on night one, as @LRiddickESPN pointed out. pic.twitter.com/rDQPNefGCy— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 24, 2026

Reactions: Jets praised for Omar Cooper Jr., Round 1 picks

The Jets cooked in the 1st Round:

- David Bailey
- Kenyon Sadiq
- Omar Cooper Jr.

😳 pic.twitter.com/9MrpAtoqCk— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) April 24, 2026

Reactions: Jets praised for Omar Cooper Jr., Round 1 picks

The New York Jets won Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Getting:

David Bailey (Best Rusher)
Kenyon Sadiq (Best Offensive Mismatch)
Omar Cooper Jr. (Best big play Juice piece)

Is sensational roster building for this year and for the future.#NFLDraft#G3Analysis#RG3#OuttaPocketpic.twitter.com/xfo9mDTdfN— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 24, 2026

Reactions: Jets praised for Omar Cooper Jr., Round 1 picks

Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. to the #Jets at 30 after they trade up.

Gang Green comes away from tonight with:

Edge David Bailey (2)
TE Kenyon Sadiq (16)
And Cooper (30) pic.twitter.com/2KH4GoCgwy— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 24, 2026

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: National reactions: Jets praised for Round 1 picks at 2026 NFL Draft