The opening act of the 2026 NFL Draft is set to feature the New York Jets on Thursday night as they weigh their options for the franchise’s next premier pass‑rusher. Assuming the draft proceeds without any major surprises, the first overall selection will almost certainly go to the Las Vegas Raiders, who are poised to claim Fernando Mendoza, the consensus top quarterback prospect in this class. The real intrigue for the Jets, however, lies with the second overall pick. 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 board.
Senior advisor Rick Spielman painted the situation as a win‑win for the Jets, emphasizing that whichever player they select, they will secure a top‑tier talent that can help turn the team’s fortunes around next season. "Everyone knows Mendoza is going to be No.
1 unless something extraordinary happens, and I don’t expect that," Spielman told Sky Sports. "The real question is No. 2.
The direction we take there will dictate the remainder of the draft. We’re looking at two pass‑rushers—David Bailey and Arvell Reese—and by the time our clock starts Thursday, the choice will be made." Spielman, who previously served as general manager of the Miami Dolphins in 2004 and later led the Minnesota Vikings from 2012 to 2022, stressed that the Jets have a clear plan despite the usual pre‑draft speculation. "Everything is basically set with the players; we’re just waiting for the clock to start," he said.
"On Thursday, Coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey will meet with ownership to confirm the path we’re taking. As they say in the UK, the hay’s in the barn—meaning the decision is already in the bag, and we’ll finalize it when the time comes." The draft landscape has already seen some movement, most notably the trade that sent Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals, an early shake‑up that hints at further activity. Spielman noted that several teams are already exploring trade‑up possibilities for the No. 2 slot.
"I’ve spoken with Darren, and there are a few clubs looking to move up to number two," he said. "When I was a top‑10 pick, I got a flood of calls on Thursday.
I even completed a trade around two o’clock that day, so the phones are definitely ringing." Analysts at Sky Sports NFL, including Jeff Reinebold, have praised the depth of this year’s edge‑rusher class, calling it the deepest they have ever seen. Reinebold highlighted both Bailey and Reese as the class’s marquee names. "David Bailey is a dynamic edge‑rusher who makes his money by getting to the quarterback. He’s not a run stopper, but his pass‑rush skill set is unparalleled in this draft," he explained on the Inside the Huddle podcast.
"Arvell Reese is a hybrid player—part edge, part off‑ball linebacker—so he offers a unique blend of speed and versatility." Reinebold also pointed out the advantage that Ohio State players like Reese, Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs have, thanks to the influence of former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who spent time at Ohio State. "Those guys have been coached in a system that mirrors the Patriots’ defense, which is more complex than most college schemes. That experience gives them a head start in adapting to the professional game," Reinebold added. For the Jets, the decision between Reese and Bailey is more than a simple talent comparison; it reflects the organization’s broader strategic vision.
Bailey, a raw but explosive athlete, excels in pure pass‑rush situations and could become a cornerstone of a blitz‑heavy scheme. Reese, on the other hand, offers positional flexibility, capable of lining up as a traditional defensive end or dropping into a linebacker role to confuse offenses.
The choice will likely hinge on how Coach Aaron Glenn envisions his defensive front and how GM Darren Mougey plans to allocate resources for surrounding talent. Beyond the No.
2 pick, the Jets also have to consider the third overall selection, which remains uncertain. The draft board could shift dramatically depending on how other teams act, especially those with multiple first‑round picks. If the Jets move down or trade up, they could potentially acquire additional assets that help address other roster needs, such as offensive line depth or secondary upgrades. In the days leading up to the draft, the Jets’ front office has been fine‑tuning the final details of their game plan.
Spielman mentioned they are "crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s," a phrase that underscores the meticulous preparation involved in a high‑stakes decision. The organization’s confidence suggests they have already evaluated medical reports, character assessments, and scheme fits for both Reese and Bailey, leaving the final verdict to be delivered when the clock starts ticking.
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).
The anticipation is palpable, and the Jets’ choice will likely set the tone for the rest of the draft, influencing trade talks, positional runs, and the overall narrative of the 2026 NFL Draft. Whether the team lands Reese, Bailey, or perhaps a surprise at No. 3, the outcome will be a pivotal moment in the franchise’s quest to re‑establish itself as a competitive force in the AFC East.