The opening act of the 2026 NFL Draft is set to feature the New York Jets on Thursday night, as they deliberate over the next cornerstone of their pass‑rush arsenal. Assuming no unexpected developments, the Las Vegas Raiders are poised to select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick, cementing his status as the premier quarterback prospect of this class. The real intrigue, however, centers on the Jets’ position at number two overall. Will they reach for Arvell Reese, or will David Bailey become their chosen weapon?
And with lingering uncertainty surrounding the third selection, the placement of the remaining top talent becomes a puzzle worth dissecting. Senior advisor Rick Spielman painted a picture of a win‑win scenario for the organization, suggesting that the decision at No.
2 will dictate the flow of the rest of the draft. "Everyone knows Mendoza is likely to go first unless something crazy happens, but I don’t anticipate that," Spielman told Sky Sports. "The direction we take with the number two pick will essentially control the remainder of the draft." Spielman confirmed that the Jets have narrowed their focus to two elite edge rushers: David Bailey and Arvell Reese.
"By the time we hit the clock on Thursday, the decision will be made. We’re just polishing a few minor details, crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s. General manager Darren Mougey will be ready, and I’m confident that whichever path we choose, we’ll land a top‑tier football player," he added.
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. Despite the fog of speculation that often surrounds draft day, he insists the Jets have a clear plan heading into Thursday’s selection. "Everything is essentially set with the players; we’re just waiting now," Spielman said.
"On Thursday, Coach Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey will meet with ownership one final time to lock in the direction we’re heading. 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 ticking." The early weeks of the draft have already seen a notable shake‑up, with Dexter Lawrence moving from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals. Spielman anticipates further movement, noting that six teams possess multiple first‑round picks and may be looking to trade up.
"I’ve spoken with Darren Mougey, and a few teams are already inquiring about trading up to the number two slot," Spielman explained. "When I was picking in the top ten, I fielded a lot of calls on Thursday. I even completed a trade around two o’clock 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 Reese and Bailey as the premier talents at the position. "David Bailey is a dynamic edge rusher who excels at pressuring the quarterback. He may not be a run‑stop specialist, but his value lies in his ability to get to the QB faster than anyone else in this draft," Reinebold said on the Inside the Huddle podcast. "Then you have Arvell Reese, a hybrid player—part edge, part off‑ball linebacker.
He brings a versatile skill set that can confuse offenses." Reinebold also pointed out the advantage Ohio State players have, noting that Reese, along with fellow Ohio State standouts Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs, benefited from coaching under Matt Patricia, a former NFL defensive coordinator and head coach. "These kids have been schooled in a system that mirrors the Patriots’ defense, giving them a head start in adapting to the complexities of the professional game," he added. The Jets’ decision will reverberate beyond the first round.
Selecting an edge rusher who can immediately impact the pass rush could accelerate the team’s turnaround after a disappointing season. Conversely, opting for a player with a broader skill set like Reese might provide flexibility in defensive schemes, allowing the coaching staff to experiment with hybrid formations.
Beyond the immediate pick, the Jets must also consider salary‑cap implications, roster construction, and the development timeline of each prospect. While Bailey’s raw explosiveness may translate quickly, Reese’s versatility could make him a longer‑term asset as the defense evolves. As the draft clock counts down, the Jets’ front office, coaching staff, and ownership will weigh these factors, aiming to secure a player who not only fills a positional need but also aligns with the franchise’s broader vision for success.
Whether the final call lands on Reese or Bailey, the outcome will set the tone for New York’s strategy throughout the 2026 draft and beyond. Fans can follow every moment of the three‑day event live on Sky Sports, with Day One kicking off at 1 a.m. early Friday morning. The anticipation builds as the Jets prepare to make a choice that could shape the future of their defense for years to come.