6 young Jets players who could unseat veterans in 2026
· Yahoo Sports
NFL depth charts look impressive in June. By September, many of them look completely different.
Training camp has a way of creating opportunities, and young players often seize them. The New York Jets enter camp with several veterans penciled into prominent roles, but there are also younger players waiting for their opportunity.j
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A handful of them have the talent to force coaches into difficult decisions. Some will have to wait for their opportunity. If new stars are found and depth is achieved, it's a nice problem to have.
For some of the younger Jets, there's an opportunity to shake things up and make noise.
Here is Jets Wire's list of a handful of players to whom that statement applies.
D'Angelo Ponds, cornerback
At 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, Ponds projects naturally into the slot with his skill set. That's where the most obvious opportunities exist. He's already been compared to his head coach, Aaron Glenn.
Strong performances could place him firmly in the conversation for meaningful defensive snaps. Don't be shocked when he's the starting nickel cornerback come Week 1 of the regular season.
Azareye'h Thomas, cornerback
Thomas already exceeded expectations as a rookie. The next step involves earning an even larger role. Based on what he showed in 2025, that goal appears well within reach.
It stands to reason that Brandon Stephens and newly acquired Nahshon Wright are ahead of him on the depth chart. He'll have to beat out one or both of them for playing time, but for now, it seems he'll be pigeonholed into a reserve role.
Jowon Briggs, defensive tackle
Defensive line depth remains important, and Briggs has already shown he belongs. The additions of T'Vondre Sweat and David Onyemata create competition, but Briggs' growth suggests he won't simply disappear from the rotation.
Training camp always produces a surprise or two. The Jets have enough young talent that several of these players could force their way into larger roles before the regular season begins.
The former seventh-round selection has proven he can play at this level. Now comes the next question. Can he keep it up? The NFL is all about growth and consistency.
Omar Cooper, wide receiver
The rookie wide receiver enters the league with significant expectations. Garrett Wilson isn't going anywhere, but Cooper has every opportunity to emerge as one of the Jets' top three receivers. He has obvious chemistry with Geno Smith.
If he performs the way many expect, veterans could quickly find themselves looking over their shoulders. Isaiah Williams and Tim Patrick are two who come to mind.
Kenyon Sadiq, tight end
The Jets have options at tight end, but Sadiq's athletic ability makes him difficult to ignore. While Mason Taylor remains part of the equation, Sadiq possesses the type of explosive traits that can earn additional playing time in a hurry.
Taylor is officially on notice. As good as he is, Sadiq might simply be better.
David Bailey, EDGE
This one feels less like a possibility and more like an inevitability. Bailey possesses starter-level pass-rushing ability and should push for significant snaps immediately.
If his development continues, veteran edge rushers could see their workloads reduced. Who are we kidding? This is one of the starters. We'll bank on Joseph Ossai on the opposite side with Will McDonald IV and Kingsley Enagbare being part of the pass-rushing rotation.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 6 young Jets players who could unseat veterans in 2026