With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, much of the conversation surrounding the New York Jets has centered on their premium capital – specifically the No. 2 overall pick and four selections within the top 50.
However, as General Manager Darren Mougey knows all too well, championship rosters are rounded out on Day 3.
Last year, the Jets found immediate value in late-round gems like safety Malachi Moore and linebacker Francisco Mauigoa.
To climb out of the AFC East basement, the front office must strike gold again in Rounds 4 through 7.
Here are five late-round sleepers the Jets cannot afford to miss.
1. Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana: The Physical Third-Down Threat
While the Jets’ backfield features Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, depth remains a concern.
Allen is returning from a significant knee injury, and the Jets need a “grinder” to complement the rotation. Enter Indiana’s Kaelon Black.
Black, who recently visited Florham Park for a “top 30” visit, is a 5-foot-9, 208-pound bruiser. He averaged over 1,000 yards in his senior year and posted a surprising 4.43 40-yard dash at his pro day.
Black’s physicality and ability to pass-protect make him an ideal Round 5 or 6 target for an offense that needs reliable depth behind its starters.
2. Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas: A High-Upside Developmental Project
The Jets are reportedly eyeing Day 3 for a developmental quarterback, and Arkansas’ Taylen Green is the most intriguing name on the board.
At 6-foot-6 and 224 pounds, Green has drawn comparisons to a young Randall Cunningham due to his elite athleticism and “cannon” for an arm.
Green clocked a blazing 4.36 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, showing the kind of dual-threat capability that keeps defensive coordinators awake at night.
While his accuracy (60.1% career completion) needs seasoning, sitting behind a veteran could turn this late-round pick into a future franchise pillar.
3. Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana: Small School, Big Production
The Jets’ defensive identity is built on a relentless defensive line rotation.
After acquiring T’Vondre Sweat earlier this offseason, the Jets could look to add more pass-rushing juice from the interior with Kaleb Proctor.
Proctor was the Southland Conference Player of the Year, racking up nine sacks and 13 tackles for loss last season.
Despite coming from an FCS school, his explosive first step and 291-pound frame suggest he can develop into a high-end rotational disruptor under the Jets’ coaching staff.
4. Jackson Kuwatch, LB, Miami (OH): The Next Special Teams Star
Special teams and linebacker depth are often overlooked until they are needed most. Jackson Kuwatch, a 6-foot-3 linebacker who recorded 109 tackles last season, is a player who screams “Jets fit.”
Kuwatch excelled during the Hula Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl, proving he can compete against top-tier talent.
With the Jets already hosting him for a pre-draft visit, it’s clear the team sees him as a potential replacement for aging veterans or a key contributor in sub-packages against divisional rivals like the Bills and Dolphins.
5. Justin Joly, TE, NC State: Upgrading the TE2 Spot
Jeremy Ruckert has struggled to cement himself as a reliable second option at tight end, leaving a gap in 12-personnel packages. Justin Joly from NC State offers the strong hands and “scramble drill” awareness that quarterbacks crave.
At 251 pounds, Joly is a physical blocker who understands how to find soft spots in zone coverage. While he isn’t a burner, his ability to make tough catches in traffic makes him an immediate upgrade for the Jets’ red-zone offense in the late rounds of the draft.
Final Thoughts: Building a Contender in the Late Rounds
For the NY Jets, the 2026 NFL Draft is a crossroads. While the early picks will provide the star power, these five sleepers represent the depth necessary to survive the grueling NFL season.
If Darren Mougey can land even two contributors from this list, the Jets will be well on their way to ending their postseason drought.
