The opening act of the 2026 NFL Draft will feature the New York Jets on Thursday night as they prepare to select the next cornerstone for their pass‑rush. Assuming no dramatic surprises, the Las Vegas Raiders are poised to take Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, as he is widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect in this class.
The real intrigue, however, begins with the Jets and the No. 2 slot, where they must decide between two elite edge rushers: Arvell Reese and David Bailey. Adding another layer of uncertainty is the fate of the No. 3 pick, which could further shape the Jets' draft strategy.
Senior advisor Rick Spielman painted a picture of a win‑win scenario for the organization, suggesting that the decision at No. 2 will set the tone for the rest of the draft. "Everyone knows Mendoza is going at number one unless something extraordinary happens, and I don’t expect that," Spielman told Sky Sports.
"But number two—our direction will essentially dictate the rest of the selections." He continued, "We’re looking at two pass‑rushers—David Bailey and Arvell Reese—and I’m confident that by the time our clock starts on Thursday, the choice will be settled. We’re just tying up a few loose ends, crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s. Darren Mougey, our general manager, will be ready, and regardless of which player we pick, we’ll be adding a high‑caliber talent to our roster." Spielman, who previously served as the general manager of the Miami Dolphins in 2004 and later led the Minnesota Vikings from 2012 to 2022, emphasized that the Jets have a clear plan despite the usual draft‑day haze. "Everything is essentially done with the players; we’re just waiting now," he said.
"On Thursday, Coach Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey will meet with the ownership group one final time to confirm the direction we’re heading. As they say in the UK, the hay’s in the barn. The final decision will be made with the owner Thursday night, and then we’ll be ready when the clock starts." The early weeks of the draft have already seen some movement, most notably Dexter Lawrence’s trade from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals, signaling that teams are willing to make bold moves. Spielman expects more activity, noting that several franchises have expressed interest in moving up to the No.
2 spot. "I’ve been talking to Darren, and a couple of teams are looking to trade up," he remarked. "When I was a top‑10 pick, I fielded countless calls on Thursday.
I even made a trade around two o’clock that day, so the phones are definitely ringing." Jeff Reinebold of Sky Sports NFL added his perspective, describing this year’s edge‑rusher class as "the deepest he’s ever seen," with Reese and Bailey leading the pack. Reinebold highlighted Bailey’s strengths, saying, "He’s a dynamic pass rusher who may not excel against the run, but his primary value is pressuring the quarterback, and he does that better than anyone in this draft." Regarding Reese, Reinebold noted his versatility: "He’s a hybrid—part edge, part off‑ball linebacker.
He can line up in multiple positions, which makes him incredibly valuable." Both players hail from Ohio State, a program that has benefited from the tutelage of former NFL defensive coordinator and head coach Matt Patricia. Reinebold argued that this background gives Ohio State defenders an edge: "These guys have been coached in a system that mirrors the Patriots’ defense, so they arrive in the NFL with a more sophisticated understanding of pro schemes." The Jets’ decision will hinge on their defensive philosophy.
If they prioritize a pure pass‑rusher who can consistently generate pressure, Bailey might be the preferred choice. If they value flexibility and the ability to disguise blitzes and coverage, Reese’s hybrid skill set could be more appealing. Either way, the selection will likely influence the Jets’ approach to the remainder of the draft, as they may target complementary pieces at linebacker, defensive back, or even offensive positions to maximize the impact of their chosen edge talent.
In addition to the No. 2 pick, the Jets will need to consider how the No.
3 selection fits into their broader plan. With several teams holding multiple first‑round selections, the draft board could shift dramatically after Thursday, opening opportunities for the Jets to address other needs, such as interior defensive line depth, a versatile tight end, or a play‑making wide receiver.
Fans can follow the entire three‑day event live on Sky Sports, with Day One kicking off in the early hours of Friday morning. As the clock winds down on Thursday night, the Jets’ front office will aim to solidify their future by locking in a premier edge rusher, setting the stage for a potential turnaround in the upcoming season.