While Jets fans seem to range anywhere from miserable to optimistic over the team’s most recent draft class, we thought it would be worth looking at the team’s draft classes over the past several years.  Not the top picks in those classes, but its day 3 choices and whether or not any of the lesser-known players have a real shot to stick in 2025.

2022:

OT Max Mitchell (Rd. 4, 111 overall):

Mitchell created a little bit of buzz with a handful of admirable performances as a rookie, but was largely overrated by much of the fan base.  He has appeared in 24 games (9 starts) since then and has been bad far more often than he’s been good.  It’s hard to imagine Mitchell making this roster again but might have a better chance if the team kicks him inside to get a look at what he can do at guard.

DL Michael Clemons (Rd. 4, 117 overall):

Clemons has drawn the ire of countless Jets fans after countless mental errors while playing the edge in recent years.  Many have asked why he’s still on the roster and it’s only May.  Like Mitchell, Clemons’ best shot to make the roster should be with a move inside where the Jets need help against the run.  If Aaron Glenn and company don’t believe he can get it done, he’s likely gone by week 1.

2023: 

TE Zack Kuntz (Rd. 7, 220 overall):

You can’t discuss Kuntz without using the term “athletic freak” after posting a perfect 10/10 on his pre-draft relative athletic score.

Zack Kuntz is a TE prospect in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 10.00 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 1020 TE from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/mpZ9CLNDkc #RAS pic.twitter.com/npOjG7HQZW

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) March 5, 2023

He was always a project out of Old Dominion and up to this point has yet to appear in an NFL game.  But given his athletic prowess and elite catch radius at 6′ 8”, you’d have to imagine he’ll get a good look from the new staff with a chance to hang around.

CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse (Rd. 6, pick 204):

Bernard-Converse was arguably the most improved player on the roster during the pre-season last year and looked ready to assume a bigger role.  That didn’t transpire though as he played just six snaps on defense.  If he continues to improve while playing under a former corner in Aaron Glenn, we really like his odds.

LB Zaire Barnes (Rd 6, 184 overall):

With the selection of linebacker Francisco Mauigoa in this year’s class and re-signing Jamin Davis, Barnes may get squeezed out given the fact he has yet to play a snap on defense through two seasons.

OT Carter Warren (Rd. 4 pick 120):

Warren has started just six games through two seasons and it’s been a rough go of it.  He has the potential to be a swing tackle as a guy who has played both spots on the line but he’s going to have to anchor much better.  If not, he’ll be gone.

2024:

CB Qwan’tez Stiggers (Rd. 5, 176)

Drafted just a year ago, the inexperienced but impressive CFL product may see his development accelerated under Glenn and company.  With no ties to him the new front office may be happy to move on from Stiggers, but the smart play here would be to work with the corner in hopes of becoming a regular contributor.

RB Isaiah Davis (Rd. 5, 173):

Davis showed flashes of being a capable back as a rookie when he ran the ball 30 times for 174 yards.  Aaron Glenn has spoken out about how happy he is with the team’s current crop of backs, but expect him to be challenged by undrafted free agent Donovan Edwards.

A grossly underrated aspect of @nyjets UDFA RB Donovan Edwards' game is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.

Was rarely asked to for Michigan, but when given the chance showed he can be a factor.

Still hared to believe he went undrafted. pic.twitter.com/uZyr4unKZ4

— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) May 8, 2025