Geno Smith, Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and David Bailey are the players you expect to do well in 2026. If they reach expectations, the New York Jets may be in the mix for a playoff opportunity.
But what happens when other players exceed expectations? Add a few on offense and defense and fans may start wondering if the time to contend is now.
Here are a few predictions on players beyond the obvious who may have the biggest impact on the Jets season.
Most Improved Player: Adonai Mitchell
It is hoped that Adonai Mitchell might become the No. 2 receiver that opens up the field for star wideout Garrett Wilson.
Mitchell has the credentials. He’s a former second-round pick by Indianapolis, arriving via the Sauce Gardner trade. He had 24 receptions for 301 yards and two touchdowns last year, showing some flashes that indicate he may be adjusting to what the NFL is all about.
Now that the Jets have a bona fide NFL quarterback in Geno Smith, it may be time for Mitchell to shine. He showed during preseason that he and Smith have a connection, and Mitchell has the size and speed combination that has to be respected by defenses if he gains confidence.
If opponents throw all their attention on Wilson, Mitchell has the chance to make them pay.
Defensive Player of the Year: Jamien Sherwood
Sherwood led the Jets with 154 tackles in 2025 and now has veteran Demario Davis by his side at linebacker. That should free him up to become an attacker who can disrupt the opposing team with sacks and forced fumbles.
If he emerges, the Jets suddenly look that much more formidable on defense.
Rookie of the Year: Darrell Jackson Jr.
David Bailey gets all the attention as the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. But don’t overlook one of his linemates.
Fourth-round defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr.impressed in the preseason. He’s a 6’5”, 315 pound ball of terror, capable of being a roadblock against the run but still having rush capabilities.
He will be part of the defensive line rotation at first. But if he keeps up what he started in the summer, Jackson could grow into some solid playing time.
Breakout Player: Olu Fashanu
You didn’t hear Olu Fashanu’s name much in 2025. And that’s the way he’d like to keep it in 2026 as the blind side protector of Geno Smith.
Fashanu, a former first-round choice, appears to be a long-term building block for the team, and if he grows in stature and manages to keep the heat from Geno Smith, that allows the team to attack further downfield to the likes of receivers Mitchell and Wilson.
Comeback Player: Will McDonald IV
McDonald led the Jets with eight sacks last season, but had half his total in one game. There was some speculation the Jets might move on, so McDonald has big incentives to become a main disrupter. With David Bailey on the opposite side of the line, opponents can’t double team him all the time, which may open up some paths to the quarterback.
Unsung Hero: T’Vondre Sweat
Jets fans are hoping Sweat is gonna make offensive coordinators…er, sweat.
The 6’4”, 366-pound man mountain’s job is to tie up blockers and provide a brick wall against the run. If he is double-teamed, it opens things up for others on defense. It may not show in the box score, but it will in the results if Sweat continues to ascend.
Special-Teams MVP: Kene Nwangwu
Nwangwu is a gamebreaker on kickoff-return duties, sporting incredible speed and elusiveness. His ability to get the team field position may be a key to an improved record.
