The opening act of the 2026 NFL Draft is set to feature the New York Jets on Thursday night as they weigh their next major addition to the defensive line—a premier edge rusher. Assuming the draft proceeds without any unexpected upheavals, the Las Vegas Raiders are projected to select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick, as he is widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect in this class.
The real intrigue, however, begins at the second overall slot, where the Jets hold the choice between two highly touted pass‑rushers: Arvell Reese and David Bailey. The uncertainty deepens when one considers the fluid situation surrounding the third pick, leaving fans and analysts to speculate where the remaining talent will land. Senior advisor Rick Spielman painted a picture of a "win‑win" scenario for the franchise, suggesting that the decision at No. 2 will set the tone for the rest of the draft and could be a catalyst for a turnaround on the field next season.
"Everyone knows Mendoza is going to be taken first unless something crazy happens, and I don’t expect that," Spielman told Sky Sports. "But the second pick is where we control the rest of the draft.
We’re looking at two elite edge rushers—David Bailey and Arvell Reese—and by the time we get on the clock Thursday, the decision will be made." Spielman added that the organization is currently polishing the final details of its draft plan. "We’re just hashing out a few minor things, crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s. General manager Darren Mougey will be ready, and I’m confident that whichever direction we go, we’ll end up with a great football player," he said.
Before joining the Jets, Spielman spent a year as the general manager of the Miami Dolphins in 2004 and later served as the Vikings’ GM from 2012 to 2022. Despite the usual fog of speculation that surrounds draft day, he insisted the Jets have a clear path in mind. "Everything’s pretty much done with the players now; it’s just a matter of waiting. On Thursday, Coach Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey will meet with the ownership group one last time to lock in the decision.
As they say in the UK, the hay’s in the barn. The owner will sign off, and we’ll be ready when the clock starts," Spielman explained.
The trade that sent Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals has already shaken up the early rounds, and Spielman anticipates further movement as six teams enter the first round with multiple selections. "I’ve heard a couple of teams interested in trading up to number two," he noted.
"When I was picking in the top ten, I got a lot of calls on Thursday. I even made a trade around two o’clock. Everyone is on the phone with everyone else." Jeff Reinebold of Sky Sports NFL weighed in on the depth of this year’s edge‑rusher class, calling it the deepest he has ever seen. He highlighted both Reese and Bailey as the top tier of talent.
"David Bailey is a dynamic pass rusher. He may not be a run stopper, but his value comes from pressuring the quarterback, and he does that better than anyone in this draft," Reinebold said on the Inside the Huddle podcast.
Reinebold also praised Reese for his versatility. "Reese is a hybrid—he can line up as an edge, an off‑ball linebacker, or a blend of both.
He, along with other Ohio State prospects like Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs, have an advantage because they played under Matt Patricia, who brings NFL defensive concepts to the college level. Those players have been groomed in a system that mirrors the Patriots’ defense, so they arrive in the league more prepared for the complexities of the professional game." The Jets’ decision will likely hinge on how they envision their defensive scheme evolving under head coach Aaron Glenn. Bailey’s explosive burst and raw pass‑rushing ability could complement a scheme that emphasizes aggressive edge attacks, while Reese’s hybrid skill set might suit a more flexible system that rotates him between linebacker and defensive end positions, allowing for varied looks against opposing offenses.
Beyond the immediate pick, the Jets must also consider salary‑cap implications and long‑term contract structures. High‑drafted edge rushers often command substantial rookie contracts, and the organization will need to balance that investment against other roster priorities, such as bolstering the secondary or adding depth at the offensive line.
The broader draft landscape features several other notable pass‑rushing prospects, but none have generated the same level of buzz as Reese and Bailey. Their performances at the NFL Combine—particularly in the 40‑yard dash, bench press, and three‑cone drill—have solidified their reputations as elite athletes capable of disrupting quarterbacks at the highest level. If the Jets opt for Bailey, they could be looking at a player who, despite a modest run‑stop rating, excels in generating pressure off the edge and can collapse the pocket with a quick first step. Conversely, selecting Reese would give them a more versatile defender who can line up in multiple positions, offering the flexibility to disguise blitz packages and adapt to various offensive formations.
Regardless of the choice, the Jets’ front office appears confident that they have done their homework and are prepared to act decisively when the moment arrives. As the clock ticks down on Thursday night, the organization’s preparation, scouting reports, and strategic discussions will culminate in a decision that could shape the trajectory of the franchise for years to come. Fans can follow the entire three‑day draft event live on Sky Sports, with Day One kicking off in the early hours of Friday morning at 1 a.m.
local time. The anticipation builds as the Jets stand on the cusp of a pivotal moment that may finally provide the pass‑rush talent they have been seeking to elevate their defense to a new level.