The Jets had two selections in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and picked up players on both sides of the ball.
With the No. 103 pick, the Jets selected Florida State DT Darrell Jackson Jr., and at No. 110, Gang Green selected Clemson QB Cade Klubnik. The second selection was acquired via trade up, as the Jets sent their Nos. 128 and 140 in Round 4 to Cincinnati for No. 110 and the No. 199 pick in Round 6.
Jackson spent his freshman year at Maryland and sophomore year at Miami before his last three years with the Seminoles – although he missed the 2023 season as a redshirt after being denied a hardship waiver, playing only in the Orange Bowl.
The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder was a two-time Honorable Mention All-ACC in his two full seasons in Tallahassee, making 77 tackles (7 TFL) with 4.5 sacks, one pass breakup, and a forced fumble.
From NFL.com’s Draft & Scouting Combine profile:
While he’s an enormous interior presence with impressive physical features, Jackson’s inconsistencies are partially rooted in flawed fundamentals and technique. He plays too upright and with inconsistent base width/block take-on, making him more easily cleared from gaps. He might never become a tree stump at the point, but he could see vast improvement in his shed-and-control with quicker hands, improved upper-body power and a full-time move to odd-front end. The tape is uneven with a floor of average backup, but Jackson’s size and length could be considered unmined gold by some teams.
Klubnik was a three-year starter for the Tigers, backing up DJ Uiagalelei as a freshman before taking over in that year’s ACC Championship Game (where he won game MVP). He was also ACC Championship Game MVP in 2024 as well, and in his four seasons, he completed 64 percent of his passes for 10,132 yards and 73 TD against 24 INT.
He also added 878 rushing yards and 17 TD on the ground as well.
From NFL.com’s Draft & Scouting Combine profile:
Much was expected of Klubnik after a strong showing in 2024, but his play and production declined in 2025. He’s undersized but athletic and shows an ability to attack zone windows with adequate velocity over the first two levels. He can make some timing throws with anticipation when in rhythm. However, when the first read isn’t there, his field vision is average and he’s not good enough off-platform/out of structure to succeed at a high enough rate. The accuracy numbers to most areas of the field fall below the mark, but tape study shows a high drop count by his receivers. While his designed run production fell off in 2025, he remains pocket-mobile, avoiding sacks and exploiting rushing lanes. Maintaining poise and mechanics are essential, so finding a short passing attack with a competent run game feels like a must for Klubnik.
