The 2026 NFL Draft is set to kick off on Thursday night, and the New York Jets will be one of the first teams on the clock as they look to add a new cornerstone to their pass‑rush arsenal. While the top overall selection is widely expected to go to the Las Vegas Raiders, who will likely choose quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the real intrigue for the Jets begins at the No.
2 spot. The organization is torn between two highly touted edge rushers—Arvell Reese and David Bailey—and the decision they make will shape the rest of the draft for them. Rick Spielman, the Jets' senior advisor and former general manager of both the Miami Dolphins and the Minnesota Vikings, painted the upcoming pick as a win‑win scenario for New York. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Spielman said, “Everyone knows Mendoza is going to be taken first unless something extraordinary happens, and I don’t expect that.
The second pick, however, is where we will set the tone for the rest of the draft.” He went on to explain that the Jets have narrowed their focus to the two premier pass‑rush prospects: David Bailey and Arvell Reese. By the time the clock starts on Thursday, Spielman is confident that a decision will be reached.
According to Spielman, the Jets are currently "hashing out some minor details" and finalizing paperwork. He added that general manager Darren Mougey will be prepared to execute the choice, and that whichever player they select, they believe they will secure a top‑tier talent.
Spielman's track record includes a decade‑long stint as the Vikings’ GM, during which he built a reputation for shrewd drafting and roster construction. The Jets’ internal process appears to be well‑organized. Spielman noted, "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 to lock in the direction we’re taking.
As they say in the UK, the hay’s in the barn—meaning the decision is essentially made, and we’ll just formalize it with the owner before the clock starts." Beyond the Jets, the early part of the draft has already seen some movement. Dexter Lawrence was traded from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals, signaling that teams are willing to make bold moves even before the first round is complete. Spielman hinted that the Jets could be part of that activity, noting that several clubs have expressed interest in trading up to the No.
2 slot. "I’ve been on the phone with Darren, and a few teams are looking to move up," he said. "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 that day. So the phones are definitely buzzing." Analysts also weigh in on the depth of this year's edge‑rusher class. Jeff Reinebold of Sky Sports NFL described the talent pool as "the deepest I've ever seen," with Reese and Bailey leading the pack. Reinebold highlighted Bailey’s strengths, noting that while he may not be a run‑stopper, his ability to pressure the quarterback is unmatched among his peers.
"He makes his money getting to the quarterback, and he does that better than anyone in this draft," Reinebold said on the Inside the Huddle podcast. Reese, on the other hand, is praised for his versatility.
Reinebold called him a "hybrid" player—someone who can line up as an edge rusher, drop into off‑ball linebacker coverage, or even function as a situational pass‑rusher. This flexibility makes Reese especially valuable in modern defensive schemes that demand players who can adapt on the fly. Both prospects hail from Ohio State, a program that has benefited from the tutelage of former NFL defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who spent time as a coach at the university. Reinebold argued that this connection gives Ohio State players a tactical edge: "They’ve played in a system that mirrors the Patriots’ defense, so they arrive at the NFL with a more advanced understanding of pro‑level concepts." For Jets fans, the decision between Reese and Bailey will likely hinge on the team's strategic priorities.
If New York wants a pure pass‑rush specialist who can generate a high sack count, Bailey fits that mold. If the coaching staff prefers a player who can contribute in multiple roles—pressuring the quarterback, dropping into coverage, and filling in on run defense—Reese offers that broader skill set.
Regardless of the choice, the Jets are positioning themselves to make a significant impact in the 2026 draft. By securing a top‑tier edge rusher at No.
2, they hope to bolster a defense that struggled to contain opposing quarterbacks last season. The move could also set the tone for subsequent picks, as the organization may look to add complementary pieces that fit the defensive philosophy they intend to implement under head coach Aaron Glenn. The broader draft landscape remains fluid, with several teams holding multiple first‑round selections and likely to be active in trade discussions. The Jets, with their clear focus on the pass rush, may find themselves in a favorable position to negotiate with other clubs looking to move up or down the board.
Fans can follow the entire three‑day event live on Sky Sports, with Day One beginning in the early hours of Friday morning (1 a.m. GMT).
As the excitement builds, all eyes will be on the Jets' front office to see which of the two elite edge rushers—Arvell Reese or David Bailey—will don the green and white and become the next cornerstone of New York's defense.