The opening act of the 2026 NFL Draft is set to feature the New York Jets on Thursday night as they deliberate over their next elite pass rusher. Assuming no dramatic surprises, the Las Vegas Raiders are projected to select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick, cementing his status as the premier quarterback prospect in this class.
The real intrigue, however, unfolds at the No. 2 slot, where the Jets must decide between two highly touted edge players: Arvell Reese and David Bailey.
The uncertainty deepens when one considers the fluid situation surrounding the third overall selection, leaving fans and analysts speculating about where the remaining top talent might land. Senior advisor Rick Spielman painted a picture of a win‑win scenario for the organization, suggesting that the decision at No. 2 will set the tone for the rest of the draft and could be a catalyst for a turnaround on the field next season.
"Everyone knows Mendoza is almost a lock at number one unless something truly crazy happens," Spielman told Sky Sports. "The choice at number two is where we control the rest of the board." Spielman confirmed that the Jets have narrowed their focus to the two pass‑rush prospects—David Bailey and Arvell Reese—and that a final decision will be made by the time the clock starts on Thursday. "We’re just polishing a few minor details, crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s," he said.
"General manager Darren Mougey will be ready, and whichever route we take, we’ll end up with a top‑caliber football player." Before joining the Jets, Spielman spent a season as the general manager of the Miami Dolphins in 2004 and later helmed the Minnesota Vikings from 2012 through 2022. Despite the often‑foggy nature of draft‑day negotiations, he insists the Jets have a clear direction heading into Thursday’s pick. "Everything is essentially wrapped up with the players; we’re just waiting now," Spielman added. "On Thursday, Coach Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey will meet with the ownership group one more time to lock in the plan.
As they say in the UK, ‘the hay’s in the barn.’ The final decision will be confirmed with the owner before the clock starts." The draft landscape has already shifted early in the week with Dexter Lawrence’s trade from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals, a move that underscored the fluidity of the first round. Spielman hinted that more surprises could be on the horizon, noting that six teams now possess multiple first‑round selections. "I’ve been hearing from Darren that a few clubs are looking to trade up to number two," Spielman revealed. "When I was a top‑10 pick, I got a flurry of calls on Thursday.
I even completed a trade around 2 a.m. that day.
Everyone is on the phone, making moves." Jeff Reinebold of Sky Sports NFL weighed in on the depth of this year’s edge‑rusher class, calling it the deepest he has ever seen. He 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 may not be a run‑stop specialist, but his pass‑rush skill set is unparalleled in this draft," Reinebold said on the Inside the Huddle podcast.
"Reese, on the other hand, is a hybrid talent—part edge, part off‑ball linebacker—making him incredibly versatile." Reinebold also pointed out the advantage Ohio State players have, noting that Reese, along with fellow Buckeyes Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs, benefited from coaching under Matt Patricia, a former NFL defensive coordinator and head coach. "Those guys have been schooled in a system that mirrors the Patriots’ defense, so they arrive at the professional level with a more advanced football IQ," Reinebold explained. The Jets’ decision will likely hinge on how they envision their defensive scheme evolving under head coach Aaron Glenn. If they prioritize a pure pass‑rush specialist, Bailey’s explosive speed and relentless pursuit could be the answer.
Conversely, if they value flexibility and the ability to drop into coverage or play multiple roles, Reese’s hybrid skill set might be more appealing. Beyond the immediate pick, the Jets must also consider the broader draft strategy. With multiple first‑round assets, they have the leverage to package picks, trade down, or acquire additional selections to address other needs such as the offensive line, secondary, or even a complementary quarterback.
The outcome of the No. 2 decision will therefore ripple through the entire draft board, influencing trade talks and the positioning of other teams. In summary, Thursday night promises to be a pivotal moment for the New York Jets.
While Fernando Mendoza is virtually guaranteed to go first overall to the Raiders, the Jets’ choice between Arvell Reese and David Bailey at No. 2 will shape not only their defensive future but also the overall flow of the 2026 NFL Draft. Fans can catch every twist and turn live on Sky Sports, with Day One kicking off in the early hours of Friday morning.