The 2026 NFL Draft is set to kick off on Thursday night, and the New York Jets will be among the first teams on the clock as they look to add a new cornerstone to their pass‑rushing corps. Assuming nothing dramatic upends the order, the Las Vegas Raiders are projected to select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick, cementing his status as the top quarterback prospect in this class. The real intrigue for the Jets, however, begins with the second overall selection.
The organization faces a choice between two highly touted edge rushers: Arvell Reese and David Bailey. While the third pick remains uncertain, the decision at No.
2 will shape the rest of the first round for New York. Senior advisor Rick Spielman painted the scenario as a win‑win for the franchise, suggesting that whichever player they select will give the team a significant boost heading into the 2027 season. "Everyone knows Mendoza is going at number one unless something wild happens, and I don’t expect that," Spielman told Sky Sports. "Number two is where we control the rest of the draft.
We have two pass‑rushers—David Bailey and Arvell Reese—on our board, and by the time we hit the clock on Thursday, the decision will be made." Spielman added that the Jets are currently polishing the final details of the deal. "We’re just crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s. General manager Darren Mougey will be ready, and I’m confident that whichever route we take, we’ll land a great football player." The veteran executive brings a wealth of experience, having served as the Miami Dolphins’ general manager in 2004 and later guiding the Minnesota Vikings from 2012 to 2022. Despite the fog of speculation that often surrounds draft night, Spielman insisted the Jets have a clear direction and will announce their choice on Thursday.
"Everything is pretty much settled with the players; we’re just waiting now," he said. "On Thursday, coach Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey will meet with the ownership group one final time to lock in the decision. As they say in the UK, the hay’s in the barn.
The owner will sign off, and we’ll be ready when the clock starts." The draft landscape has already seen a few early moves. Dexter Lawrence’s trade from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals was a surprise that shook up the first‑round order, and Spielman expects more activity as six teams now hold multiple selections in the opening round. "I’ve been talking with Darren, and a couple of teams are looking to trade up to number two," Spielman noted.
"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. Everyone is on the phone, trying to maneuver." Expert analysis from Sky Sports NFL’s Jeff Reinebold underscores the depth of this year’s edge‑rusher class, calling it the deepest he’s ever seen.
He highlighted both Reese and Bailey as the premier talents at the position. "David Bailey is a dynamic edge rusher who makes his money by getting to the quarterback. He’s not a run‑stop specialist, but his pass‑rush productivity is unmatched in this draft," Reinebold said on the Inside the Huddle podcast.
"Arvell Reese is a hybrid player—part edge, part off‑ball linebacker. He brings versatility that can confuse offenses." 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, which gives them a higher football IQ and better preparation for the pro game," he explained. The Jets’ decision will hinge on how they envision their defensive scheme evolving under head coach Aaron Glenn. If they prioritize a pure pass rusher who can generate pressure without much help, Bailey might fit the bill.
Conversely, if they value flexibility and the ability to shift between edge and linebacker roles, Reese could be the better fit. Beyond the immediate pick, the Jets must also consider salary‑cap implications, contract structures, and the potential for future trades. Both players are projected to command substantial rookie contracts, but the exact figures will depend on the slot value assigned by the league’s collective bargaining agreement. In the broader context of the 2026 draft, New York’s strategy reflects a growing trend among NFL teams to prioritize elite pass rushers early, recognizing that a strong defensive front can dramatically influence a team’s success.
With the league’s offensive schemes becoming increasingly pass‑heavy, securing a game‑changing edge defender is often seen as a cornerstone for building a championship contender. Fans can follow the entire three‑day draft event live on Sky Sports, with Day One beginning in the early hours of Friday morning. As the clock ticks down on Thursday night, all eyes will be on the Jets’ front office to see whether Arvell Reese or David Bailey will become the next pivotal piece of New York’s defense.