The opening act of the 2026 NFL Draft will feature the New York Jets on Thursday night as they weigh their options for a new premier pass rusher. Assuming nothing dramatic upends the expected order, the Las Vegas Raiders are slated to select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick, cementing his status as the top quarterback prospect in this class. The real intrigue, however, begins at the second slot, where the Jets hold the No. 2 pick.
The decision hinges on whether they will choose Arvell Reese or David Bailey, two highly touted edge rushers who have dominated draft conversations all season. Adding another layer of uncertainty is the situation at No. 3, where the Jets could potentially land a third high‑impact player if the draft board shifts in their favor.
Jets senior advisor Rick Spielman painted the upcoming selection as a win‑win scenario for the organization, emphasizing that the choice 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 the direction we take with the second pick essentially controls the rest of the draft." 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 Thursday, we’ll have made the decision. Right now we’re just polishing the final details, crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s. Darren Mougey, our general manager, will be ready, and I’m convinced whichever player we choose, we’ll be adding a top‑tier talent to our roster." 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 usual fog of speculation that surrounds draft night, he insists the Jets have a clear plan and will announce it when the clock starts. "Everything is essentially settled with the players; we’re just waiting," he said. "On Thursday, coach Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey will meet with ownership to finalize the direction.
As they say in the UK, the hay’s in the barn – the decision will be locked in before the clock ticks." The draft landscape has already shifted with Dexter Lawrence’s trade from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals, signaling that teams are willing to make bold moves early. Spielman anticipates more activity, noting that six teams now possess multiple first‑round selections. "I’ve heard a few clubs inquire about trading up to number two," he revealed.
"When I was a top‑10 pick, I received countless calls on draft day. I even executed a trade around two o’clock on Thursday.
The phones are buzzing." Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold described this year’s edge‑rusher cohort as the deepest he has ever seen, with Reese and Bailey leading the pack. Reinebold highlighted Bailey’s specialization, "He’s a dynamic pass rusher who excels at pressuring the quarterback. He isn’t a run stopper, but his value lies in disrupting the aerial attack, and he does that better than anyone in this draft class." Regarding Reese, Reinebold noted his versatility: "He’s a hybrid – part edge, part off‑ball linebacker.
He brings a blend of skills that makes him difficult to categorize." Reinebold also praised the Ohio State trio of Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs, pointing out their exposure to NFL‑style schemes under former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. "Playing in a system modeled after the Patriots defense gives these kids a higher football IQ and prepares them for the complexities of the pro game," he said. The Jets’ decision will hinge on several factors: the immediate impact each player can make, how they fit into head coach Aaron Glenn’s defensive philosophy, and the long‑term roster construction strategy. Bailey offers a pure pass‑rush skill set that could immediately elevate the Jets’ sack totals, while Reese provides a more adaptable profile that could be deployed in various blitz packages and coverage scenarios.
Beyond the individual talent, the Jets are also considering the broader draft strategy. If they select Reese at No. 2, they could still maneuver to acquire another high‑impact player at No. 3, perhaps a versatile defensive back or a complementary edge talent.
Conversely, opting for Bailey might prompt them to trade down or package later picks to address other needs, such as bolstering the offensive line or adding depth at receiver. The organization’s front office appears confident that their scouting and analytics departments have narrowed the field to these two candidates. Spielman’s remarks about “hashing out minor things” suggest that contract negotiations, medical evaluations, and positional fit have already been thoroughly vetted.
As the draft clock winds down, Jets fans can expect a decisive announcement that will shape the team’s trajectory for years to come. Whether the franchise locks in Reese’s hybrid versatility or Bailey’s relentless pass rush, the choice will signal the direction New York intends to take on defense. The entire three‑day event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with Day One kicking off in the early hours of Friday morning at 1 a.m.
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