The opening act of the 2026 NFL Draft is set to feature the New York Jets on Thursday night as they deliberate over their next premier pass‑rusher. Assuming the draft proceeds without any dramatic surprises, the Las Vegas Raiders are projected to select Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, cementing him as the top quarterback prospect of this class.
The real intrigue, however, begins once the Jets take the No. 2 slot. The question on everyone’s mind is whether they will reach for Arvell Reese or David Bailey.
Adding another layer of uncertainty is the fate of the No. 3 selection, which could dramatically shift the balance of talent among the early picks. Senior advisor Rick Spielman painted a picture of a win‑win scenario for the Jets organization, suggesting that their decision at No. 2 will set the tone for the rest of the draft and potentially reverse the team’s recent fortunes on the field.
"We’re all very excited because everybody knows it’s going to be Mendoza at number one unless something crazy happens, but I don’t anticipate that," Spielman told Sky Sports. "But number two, basically the direction that we go will control the rest of the draft." Spielman continued, "Everyone knows we’re looking at the two pass rushers—David Bailey and Arvell Reese—and I know by the time we get on the clock Thursday, that decision will be made.
We’re just hashing out some minor things right now, crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s on everything. I know General Manager Darren Mougey will be ready and confident, whichever way we go, we’ll land a great football player." Before joining the Jets, Spielman spent a year as the general manager of the Miami Dolphins in 2004 and later served as the GM of the Minnesota Vikings from 2012 through 2022.
Despite the often‑opaque nature of draft strategy, he insists the Jets have a clear path in mind for Thursday night’s pick. "Everything’s pretty much done with the players now; it’s just a matter of waiting," he said. "On Thursday, Coach Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey will meet with the ownership group one more time to finalize the direction.
As they say in the UK, the hay’s in the barn. They’ll lock it in with the owner and then be ready once the clock starts." The draft landscape has already seen an early shake‑up with Dexter Lawrence’s trade from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals, and Spielman expects more movement as six teams enter the first round with multiple selections.
"I’ve heard a couple of teams inquiring about trading up to number two," he noted. "When I was a top‑10 pick, I got a lot of calls on Thursday. I made a trade around two o’clock that day, so everybody is talking to everybody." Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold described this year’s edge‑rusher class as "as deep as I’ve ever seen," highlighting Reese and Bailey as the top two prospects. Reinebold praised Bailey’s pure pass‑rushing ability, saying, "He may not be a run stopper, but his money is made getting to the quarterback, and he does that better than anyone in this draft." Regarding Reese, Reinebold called him a "hybrid" player, capable of lining up as an edge rusher, an off‑ball linebacker, or a blend of both.
He added that the Ohio State trio—Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs—benefits from having been coached by Matt Patricia, a former NFL defensive coordinator and head coach. "They played in a system at Ohio State that mirrors the Patriots’ defense, so they’ll arrive in the NFL better prepared for the complexity of the pro game," Reinebold explained. The Jets’ decision will hinge on how they envision their defensive scheme evolving under head coach Aaron Glenn. If they prioritize a pure, high‑velocity pass rusher, Bailey’s explosiveness and proven sack numbers may tip the scales.
Conversely, if they value versatility and the ability to drop into coverage or set the edge against the run, Reese’s hybrid skill set could be more appealing. Beyond the individual talent, the Jets must also consider salary‑cap implications, contract timelines, and the potential for future trades. Selecting a player who can become a franchise cornerstone while also offering flexibility in roster construction is a delicate balance. The draft’s first day will continue to unfold on Sky Sports, with live coverage beginning in the early hours of Friday morning.
Fans can watch the Jets’ pivotal choice, the subsequent selections at No. 3 and beyond, and the ripple effects across the league as teams jockey for position and talent. In summary, Thursday night promises a defining moment for the New York Jets. Whether they reach for Arvell Reese’s adaptable, hybrid prowess or David Bailey’s relentless pass‑rushing firepower, the decision will shape not only the remainder of the 2026 draft but also the trajectory of the franchise’s defensive identity for years to come.