The New York Jets are deciding between two players, David Bailey and Arvell Reese, for the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With a quarterback unlikely to be selected, the team is expected to focus on defense.
Mentioned in this story
NFL insider reveals Jets deciding between two players with No. 2 pick originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
We are now less than a week away from the 2026 NFL Draft. Soon enough, our questions will all be answered, but for now, we have to be content with speculation.
Regarding the New York Jets, speculation has been all over the place this offseason. In a normal year, the Jets would almost certainly be predicted to draft a quarterback with the No. 2 pick. However, Fernando Mendoza is considered a lock to go No. 1, and no other quarterback is expected to go in the top 15 picks.
As a result, the team will almost certainly add a defender, and according to one insider, the team has narrowed its decision down to two guys.
Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports that the Jets are expected to take either Texas Tech's David Bailey or Ohio State's Arvell Reese. Bailey is considered one of the top pure edge rushers in the class, while Reese could be an edge rusher or an off-ball linebacker.
It's clear the Jets want to get better on defense. Head coach Aaron Glenn is a defensive coach, and his unit was abysmal for the most part in 2025.
Thus, it makes sense why the team would be interested in Bailey and Reese. Bailey led the FBS in 2025 with 14.5 sacks, and earned First-team All-American honors as a result. Reese, meanwhile, racked up 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks, while also being an All-American.
Bailey is a pure pass rusher, while Reese played off-ball in college but is widely expected to be an edge rusher in the NFL. So, which of these players is more likely to be a Jet?
"Bailey is the surest one but Arvell is gonna be a star," said one defensive coordinator. "Arvell needs some time and the Jets need someone right now."
The Jets are considering David Bailey from Texas Tech and Arvell Reese from Ohio State for the No. 2 pick.
David Bailey is regarded as a top edge rusher, while Arvell Reese can play as an edge rusher or an off-ball linebacker.
The Jets are not drafting a quarterback because Fernando Mendoza is expected to go No. 1, and no other quarterbacks are projected to be selected in the top 15 picks.
Jamal Murray scored 30 points and set a franchise record by making all 16 free throw attempts in the Nuggets' 116-105 win over the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the playoffs. The victory gives Denver a 1-0 lead in the series.
Tobias Myers will start for the Mets against the Cubs, taking over for David Peterson.
Nuggets rally despite early struggles against Timberwolves in playoff opener.
WrestleMania 42 Night One highlights: Rhodes retains, Lynch wins!
Idaho QB Joshua Wood Thrives with Parental Support
Maxwell Woods impresses in WSU's second spring scrimmage, showcasing his skills.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
As that anonymous defensive coordinator mentioned, it seems like Bailey is the better pick for the Jets in 2026. The defender has an elite set of pass rush moves and went up against NFL-level competition in college. Reese, meanwhile, may take some time to adjust given his expected position change.
However, another anonymous NFL executive offered a case for Reese.
"I would take [Reese] before any of the other guys," said one assistant GM. "He's the most explosive. Everyone talks about him not doing it much but I don't care. The draft is a projection. That's what we get paid to do."