The New York Jets are being linked to Ohio State linebacker-edge Arvell Reese at No. 2 in the 2026 draft, as a new roundup of mock drafts puts his name at the center of a growing debate over what the team should do with its top selection. Some projections have Reese landing in New York, while others point the Jets toward Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey instead.
One mock draft in the roundup said the decision comes down to Reese versus Bailey, and that Reese would draw strong consideration because of his tantalizing potential. Another described Reese as an interchangeable player with explosive power who could become a high-caliber starter at either linebacker or edge rusher. That same view said the Jets are in the early stages of a rebuild and searching for foundational players, with Reese fitting the vision as a defender they can build a scheme around.
There is also a clear counterargument. Another mock draft said the Jets might prefer Bailey at No. 2 because he is more pro-ready, even while Reese’s upside remains appealing. Yahoo Sports was part of the roundup and projected Bailey at No. 2 and Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State at No. 16, while noting that Bailey brings sky high upside as a pass rusher, has the athleticism, tenacity and a growing set of techniques to contribute early, and still has plenty of room to improve as a run defender.
The Jets hold the No. 2 and No. 16 picks in the 2026 draft, and the exercise reflects how much their needs shape the conversation. One mock draft put it bluntly: the Jets need everything. That is why the debate over Reese is not really about one prospect alone. It is about whether New York wants the player with the cleaner floor in Bailey or the defender whose ceiling could alter the shape of the defense.
These are mock drafts, not decisions, and the roundup makes clear the views quoted do not reflect any Jets personnel. But the early read is hard to miss: if New York stays at No. 2, Arvell Reese is already close enough to the center of the discussion that the pick will be judged against him long before the draft arrives.
