The 2026 NFL draft is approaching, raising questions about player selections. A key focus is whether the Jets will choose Arvell Reese at the #2 pick.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 26: Arvell Reese #LB20 of Ohio State during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 NFL draft is upon us. This is called ādraft week,ā and all sorts of things occur. Suddenly, healthy players have injury scares, athletes continue to rise and fall on draft big boards, and NFL head coaches are seen in hot tubs with the media.
For the Arizona Cardinals, this is a critical draft. Free agency solved a ton of holes, but the draft is how franchises are built for the future.
The Cardinals own the #3 pick in Round 1. They have selections early in all rounds.
The Las Vegas Raiders own the top overall pick and are expected to select QB Fernando Mendoza out of the National Champs, Indiana. Up next are the New York Jets. They have been predicted to take Ohio State EDGE rusher Arvell Reese for months now.
Those two picks are pretty much set. So, the draft will actually begin with Arizonaās selection, and whoever they take or trade the slot to will set the tone for the remainder of Round 1.
Just wait a sec. Put a pin in that thought. What ifā¦..what if the Jets donāt take Reese. Yeah, what would happen next? New York taking Reese has just been pounded in our foreheads for so long, itās just a known commodity that we donāt even think about any longer. Raiders: Mendoza. Jets: Reese. Done.
If the Jets don't select Arvell Reese at #2, it could impact their defensive strategy and open opportunities for other teams to draft him.
Besides Arvell Reese, other top prospects include quarterbacks and key defensive players, but specific names depend on the latest draft boards.
The 2026 NFL draft is significant for the Arizona Cardinals as it allows them to build for the future after addressing immediate needs in free agency.
Draft week can lead to fluctuations in player rankings due to injury scares and media interactions, influencing team strategies and decisions.
Sean Longstaff scored a late equalizer for Leeds in a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, keeping them nine points clear of the relegation zone. The result hampers Bournemouth's hopes of European qualification.
Man City goes top of the Premier League, but Arsenal remains a contender, says Neville.
Man City secures top spot in Premier League with 1-0 win over Burnley, relegating them to the Championship.
Patriots Expected to Pick 21.5-Sack Rusher T.J. Parker in Draft
Jose Soriano's brilliant start sets an MLB milestone, allowing one run in six starts.
NFL draft buzz: Chargers may select Jermod McCoy at No. 22
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.
But, what if?
Reese is an absolute pass-rushing demon. If Jets GM Darren Mougey passes on Reese, he should be fired. On the spot. But there are whispers coming out New York, or is it New Jersey, that the Jets are leaning towards taking another EDGE rusher instead: David Bailey out of Texas Tech. They are infatuated with his 14.5 sacks, which led the FBS, from his final college season. They love his 4.5 speed despite him being a big-bodied backer standing 6ā-4ā and a beefy 251 pounds.
If itās one thing the Jets need to make sure of coming out of this yearās draft, itās to get at least one exceptional pass rusher. They ranked #31 in sacks last year with 26. Both Reese and Bailey will cover this need. And both will transition to the NFL seamlessly from the college level.
The fact is, the Jets spent a lot of time with Bailey at the Combine. They had dinner with him. New York reps were there for his Pro Day. They need a guy who can get to the quarterback often, and point to Reeseās six sack season as a comparison.
In free agency, the Jets spent a ton of money on the defense, and rightly so. It is assumed that their first pick at the number two overall spot will be a dynamic pass rusher. But now, the nameplate may change.
And if it does, then what? The Cardinals are then on the clock, and if they keep the pick, what happens next?
Reports that OT Francis Mauigoa may have back issues may scare off a team like the Cardinals. This would immediately focus their attention on the defense. Bailey was seen on a lot of NFL draft site boards for Arizona at the #3 pick. But, if he is goneā¦..well?
Do they simply take Reese? Is it just that easy? They are going into this draft needing a stud right tackle, a guard, and at least one backup offensive lineman. And suddenly, take a pass rusher?
One can only imagine what the defensive line would look like: Josh Sweat, Walter Nolen, Roy Lopez, and now Arvell Reese? Somebody needs to be pinched. Wow, a defensive line like this? Really? Could that actually happen?
And then all of a sudden, the entire first round goes into this tizzy with the new changes. The Tennessee Titans take another great EDGE rusher in Sonny Styles instead of RB Jeremiyah Love. The New York Football Giants at #5 take Love instead of CB Mansoor Delane. Then the Cleveland Browns donāt select WR Carnell Tate at Number 6 and opt for Mauigoa, who slipped. And safety Caleb Downs is the Round 1 athlete to drop the most spots, which happens every year to one single player.
What does all this mean? It means to pay attention past the Raiders pick. It may become the only normal aspect of the entire first round.