The opening act of the 2026 NFL Draft is set to feature the New York Jets on Thursday night, as they deliberate over who will become the next cornerstone of their pass rush. While the top overall selection is widely expected to go to the Las Vegas Raiders—who are projected to take quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza at number one— the real intrigue for the Jets begins with the second overall pick. The organization faces a choice between two highly touted edge rushers: Arvell Reese and David Bailey. The decision at the No.
2 spot will also shape the subsequent picks, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the third overall selection. Senior advisor Rick Spielspielman painted a picture of a "win‑win" scenario for the Jets, suggesting that whichever path they take could set the tone for a turnaround on the field next season. In an interview with Sky Sports, Spielman said, "Everyone knows Mendoza will go first unless something crazy happens, which I don’t expect. The second pick is where we control the rest of the draft.
We’ve narrowed it down to the two pass rushers—David Bailey and Arvell Reese—and by the time our clock starts on Thursday, the decision will be made." He added that the front office is currently polishing the final details, and that General Manager Darren Mougey will be ready to execute the plan, confident that the chosen player will be a top‑tier 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, giving him a reputation for navigating draft strategy under pressure.
He emphasized that the Jets have already done the heavy lifting on player evaluation and are now waiting for the moment to formalize the decision with ownership. "Everything’s pretty much done with the players now; it’s just a matter of waiting," he explained.
"On Thursday, Coach Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey will meet with the owners, lock in the direction, and then we’ll be ready when the clock starts." The draft landscape this year has already seen early movement, most notably Dexter Lawrence’s trade from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals, which has added a layer of unpredictability. Spielman noted that several teams are already exploring trade‑up opportunities to secure the No. 2 spot, and that the flurry of calls he received after his own top‑10 pick last year is repeating itself. "I’ve been on the phone with a couple of clubs looking to move up to number two," he said, indicating that the Jets could be part of a larger bargaining chain if they decide to leverage their position.
Analysts from Sky Sports NFL, such as Jeff Reinebold, have lauded this year’s edge‑rusher class as the deepest in recent memory, with Reese and Bailey leading the pack. Reinebold highlighted Bailey’s ability to generate a relentless pass rush, noting that while he may not be a run‑stop specialist, his primary value lies in disrupting quarterbacks.
"Bailey makes his money by getting to the quarterback, and he does that better than anyone else in the draft," Reinebold remarked on the Inside the Huddle segment. Reese, on the other hand, is described as a hybrid defender—capable of playing both on the edge and as an off‑ball linebacker.
His versatility, combined with the pedigree of playing under Ohio State’s defensive scheme, which mirrors the New England Patriots’ system under former coordinator Matt Patricia, gives him a unique preparation for the professional game. Reinebold pointed out that Reese, along with fellow Ohio State standouts Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs, benefit from having been coached in a pro‑style defense, potentially easing their transition to the NFL.
The Jets’ decision will therefore hinge on whether they prioritize pure pass‑rushing explosiveness (Bailey) or a more adaptable, multi‑position defender (Reese). Both players bring elite athleticism and a proven track record against top competition, but their skill sets address slightly different needs within New York’s defensive scheme. If the Jets feel they need an immediate quarterback pressure specialist to complement their existing front seven, Bailey could be the answer.
Conversely, if they value flexibility and the ability to disguise looks against both the run and pass, Reese’s hybrid profile may be more attractive. Beyond the No. 2 pick, the draft’s third slot remains a mystery, with several candidates likely to emerge once the Jets finalize their choice. The outcome at No.
2 will influence trade talks, as other teams may seek to move up or down based on the Jets’ selection, potentially reshaping the entire top tier of the draft. Fans can follow the entire three‑day event live on Sky Sports, with Day One kicking off in the early hours of Friday morning. The Jets’ front office, coaching staff, and ownership are all poised to make a decisive move that could set the franchise on a new trajectory, and the anticipation builds as the clock ticks toward Thursday night’s pivotal moment.