Jets Traded Up to Grab Clemson QB Cade Klubnik and Florida State DT Darrell Jackson Jr. on Day 3, and Here's What That Tells You

The New York Jets weren't done making moves on Day 3 of the draft. After loading up on offense early, GM Darren Mougey and Head Coach Aaron Glenn went back to work, trading up in Round 4 to add two more pieces to their 2026 class. The Jets acquired Pick 110 in Round 4 and Pick 199 in Round 6 to make these moves happen, signaling they still had their eye on specific targets as the draft wore on.

Building the Interior Defense

With the No. 103 pick, New York selected Florida State DT Darrell Jackson Jr., adding depth to the interior of their defensive line. The move showed the Jets weren't overlooking the trenches even after focusing heavily on their offensive weapons earlier in the draft. Jackson Jr. figured to compete for playing time right away in a rotation that needed reinforcement.

Reaching Back for Signal Caller Talent

The bigger surprise came when the Jets traded up again with Pick 110 to select Clemson QB Cade Klubnik. The move to grab a Day 3 quarterback raised eyebrows, but it reflected Glenn and Mougey's belief in the Tigers signal caller's potential. Taking a QB in Round 4 signaled the organization was thinking ahead, even with their roster construction priorities elsewhere.

A Full Picture of Day 3

These two selections capped off a busy stretch for New York's front office. Earlier in the draft, the Jets had made three first-round picks, including Indiana CB D'Angelo Ponds, before trading back in Round 2 to acquire additional draft capital. By the time Day 3 concluded, the Jets had reshaped their roster with an eye toward both immediate needs and future flexibility.

Glenn made it clear he was satisfied with how the board fell. The Jets' first four picks reflected a strategy of pairing complementary talent across offense and defense, setting the stage for what could be a competitive 2026 season.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.