Andrew Buller-Russ
For months, many have assumed the Las Vegas Raiders will make quarterback Fernando Mendoza the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. But what will the New York Jets do with the No. 2 overall pick?
Again, many have expected the Jets to select freak athlete pass-rusher/linebacker Arvell Reese out of Ohio State. Yet, that may not be what Jets general manager Darren Mougey is planning to do on April 23, when the NFL Draft’s first round takes place.
According to Sports Illustrated‘s NFL insider Albert Breer, the Jets may instead be leaning toward selecting a different pass-rusher, Texas Tech’s David Bailey.
“There’s a reason why a consensus seems to be crystallizing that Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey will be the second pick in the draft. Bailey is the guy who’ll help now—help get a defensive system off the ground, help create belief in the locker room and help provide that light at the end of the tunnel. He’s worthy of the pick, too, with sparkling advanced statistics backing up a lot of tape showing a plug-and-play, hand-in-the-ground pass rusher. That explains why so many NFL folks see this one coming down the tracks and why it would make so much sense for the Jets.”
SI’s Albert Breer on New York Jets’ plans at No. 2 pick
As noted, while Reese may have the higher overall ceiling, Bailey is the player who is more polished right now. After winning just three games last season, the Jets feel the urgency to win now, and Bailey may be more equipped to do that right now than Reese is.
So, if the Jets do turn to Bailey, it opens up the question of how far Reese will fall, and how that decision at the top will impact the rest of the top half of the 2026 NFL Draft. Reese likely won’t be available long; his wait may even end at the next pick, where the Arizona Cardinals pick third. If not, the Tennessee Titans select fourth, and they could be enticed by the superstar potential Reese offers.
Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Trades Take Over First Round of NFL Draft
