The opening act of the 2026 NFL Draft is set to feature the New York Jets on Thursday night as they weigh their next premier pass rusher. Assuming no dramatic surprises, the Las Vegas Raiders are projected to select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick, making him the top quarterback prospect of this class.
The real intrigue, however, unfolds with the Jets holding the second overall selection. The question on everyone’s mind is whether the franchise will choose Arvell Reese or David Bailey. Adding to the uncertainty is the fate of the third overall pick, which could further reshape the early draft landscape.
Jets senior advisor Rick Spielman painted a picture of a win‑win scenario for the organization as they look to reverse their on‑field fortunes next season. "Everyone’s pretty sure Mendoza goes first unless something crazy happens, and I don’t expect that," Spielman told Sky Sports.
"But the direction we take with the No. 2 pick will essentially dictate the rest of the draft for us." He continued, "We’ve narrowed it down to two edge rushers – David Bailey and Arvell Reese – and I’m confident that by the time our clock starts Thursday, the decision will be locked in. Right now we’re just ironing out a few final details, crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s.
General manager Darren Mougey will be ready, and no matter which name we pick, we’ll end up with a top‑tier football talent." Spielman’s résumé includes a stint as general manager of the Miami Dolphins in 2004 and a decade‑long tenure with the Minnesota Vikings from 2012 to 2022. Despite the fog of speculation that often surrounds draft night, he insists the Jets have a clear plan for Thursday’s pick. "Everything’s basically settled with the players; we’re just waiting for the clock to start," 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 the British say, ‘the hay’s in the barn.’ The owner will sign off, and we’ll be ready to pull the trigger when the countdown begins." The early part of draft week has already seen a notable move: Dexter Lawrence’s trade from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals, signaling that the draft could be more fluid than usual.
Spielman anticipates additional activity, noting that six teams now possess multiple first‑round selections. "I’ve been talking with Darren, and a few clubs are already looking to trade up to the No.
2 spot," Spielman explained. "When I was a top‑10 pick, I got countless calls on Thursday. I even made a trade around 2 a.m. that day, so the phones are definitely buzzing." Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold highlighted the depth of this year’s edge‑rusher class, describing it as the deepest he’s ever seen, with Reese and Bailey leading the pack.
"David Bailey is a dynamic edge rusher whose primary value is pressuring the quarterback. He’s not a run‑stop specialist, but his skill set is precisely what teams pay top dollar for," Reinebold said on Inside the Huddle. "Then you have Arvell Reese, a hybrid player who can line up as an edge, an off‑ball linebacker, or a blend of both." Reinebold also pointed out the advantage Ohio State players have, citing the Buckeyes’ exposure to NFL‑style schemes under former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. "Players like Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs have been coached in a system that mirrors the Patriots’ defense, giving them a head start in understanding the complexities of the professional game," he added.
The Jets’ decision will likely hinge on how they envision their defensive identity moving forward. Bailey offers raw explosiveness and a proven ability to generate quarterback pressure, while Reese provides versatility and the potential to fill multiple roles on the edge and inside. Both prospects have impressed scouts with their athleticism, technique, and football IQ, making the choice a true dilemma for New York.
Beyond the individual talent, the selection will influence the Jets’ broader draft strategy. A commitment to an elite pass rusher could free up later picks for offensive upgrades, while opting for a more adaptable player like Reese might allow the team to address other positional needs with greater flexibility. As the clock ticks down on Thursday night, Jets fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which direction the franchise takes.
Whether they swing for the pure pass‑rusher in Bailey or the multi‑dimensional defender in Reese, the outcome will set the tone for the rest of the 2026 draft and could shape the team’s trajectory for years to come. All three days of the 2026 NFL Draft will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with Day One kicking off in the early hours of Friday morning at 1 a.m. local time.