If the New York Jets walked into the 2026 NFL Draft with a plan. They knew that if they are serious about fixing their offense, the answer was never going to come from adding to one position alone, so they improved several: tight end, quarterback, and wide receiver.

Quarterback questions may dominate headlines, but the selection of Anez Cooper at No. 188 overall is a reminder of where games are really won. Whether it’s Geno Smith stabilizing the present or a future option like Cade Klubnik developing behind the scenes, none of it works without protection.

Meet Mr. Cooper. He enters the conversation as a multi-year starter at right guard for the Miami Hurricanes. He built his reputation on consistency. He started games across four seasons, steadily improving each year before earning Second-Team All-ACC honors in his final campaign.

That kind of experience matters for a Jets offensive line that has struggled to find continuity. At his best, Cooper is a tone-setter in the run game. He plays with power at the point of attack and shows the kind of physicality that fits what the Jets want to be offensively. There’s still refinement needed in pass protection, particularly with technique and balance against quicker interior rushers, but the foundation is there.

That’s the point of this pick. At No. 188, the Jets weren’t searching for an immediate star. They were targeting a developmental piece who can provide depth now and potentially grow into a starting role. It’s a long-term investment in stability, something this unit has lacked for far too long.

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Grading Jets’ Anez Cooper selection at No. 188