With the NFL Draft approaching and the first-overall pick all but decided, the New York Jets have significant work ahead as they determine which prospect can make the biggest impact on their team with the No. 2 pick.
The Jets’ defense took a major hit this past season following the trades of three former first-round picks: Quinnen Williams, Sauce Gardner, and Jermaine Johnson. As a result, selecting a defender with the second-overall pick appears obvious.
Ohio State’s Hybrid Defensive Standout Arvell Reese
Arvell Reese has emerged as one of the favorites to become the first non-quarterback selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. He has the ability to play both edge rusher and linebacker, similar to Green Bay Packers star Micah Parsons. Although he isn’t nearly the pass rusher Parsons is, his height and weight give him potential that can’t be ignored.
Reese has shown in his limited reps that he can overpower offensive linemen while also using his speed to maneuver around them with ease. He has the potential to be a great edge rusher at the next level. After the Jets struggled to pressure the quarterback last season, Reese could be exactly what the team is looking for.
At the NFL Combine, Reese was asked for his thoughts about Aaron Glenn and the Jets organization. He expressed strong respect for both. He followed that up with a dominant combine performance, running an official 4.46-second 40-yard dash while excelling in both linebacker and edge drills.
With the ability to play both linebacker and edge rusher at an elite level, Reese provides the upside swing that Aaron Glenn and this Jets team need as they look to rebuild themselves on the defensive side of the ball.
Texas Tech’s Premier Pass Rusher David Bailey
David Bailey also brings exactly what the Jets need: elite pass-rushing ability. Bailey rose up draft boards throughout the season and solidified himself as a top-five pick with his performance at in the College Football Playoffs and the NFL Combine. He arguably had the best combine performance of any defensive lineman this year.
Bailey’s measurables had scouts impressed before he had even stepped onto the field. He then continued to impress, delivering a combine performance comparable to future Hall of Fame edge rusher Von Miller.
Unlike Reese, Bailey does present some concerns when it comes to his run defense, as he is a total non-factor in that part of the game. Those concerns might sway teams from selecting him in the top five, especially the Jets, who struggled defending the run last season and recently parted ways with their best run-defending edge Jermaine Johnson in a trade with the Tennessee Titans.
If he can improve in the run game, Bailey wouldn’t just be a good edge rusher; he could quickly become one of the NFL’s best all-around edge defenders.
Miami’s Do it All Edge Rusher Reuben Bain
Rueben Bain is the best all-around edge defender in this class. During his last season with Miami his talent was constantly shown off especially during the College Football Playoffs. However, concerns about his arm length could cause him to fall down draft boards as Bain has some of the shortest measured arms for an edge rusher in NFL history.
Bain’s arm length was a lingering issue throughout the season and remains a serious evaluation point for NFL scouts, as some believe his short arms could limit his ability to rush the passer or finish tackles efficiently.
Even with these concerns, Bain dominated throughout his college career, putting strong film together against both the pass and run. That production could lead scouts to overlook his measurables, as he has consistently produced at a high level for the Hurricanes.
A Different Path for New York
Although New York seems set on taking an edge rusher with the No. 2 pick, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs still demands serious consideration. Many evaluators see Downs as the best overall player in the draft, but because teams don’t value safety as a premium position, he could slide out of the top three.
Downs’ film has been exceptional since his freshman season at Ohio State, and scouts have been counting the days until he became draft-eligible.
With New York needing to overhaul much of its defense, adding a player already drawing Hall of Fame comparisons would be a home run. If Downs performs as expected, fans would quickly forget all about his positional value concerns.
Who Should be the Pick?
Given all the data presented, Arvell Reese shows the most upside out of all these candidates. Bailey and Bain both carry major concerns that could lead to them being underwhelming for a No. 2 pick, and Downs plays a non premium position in which the Jets cannot afford to select.
Reese provides the upside of a true can’t miss talent and should be the pick at No. 2 for New York
Leave a comment