Clear Favorite Emerges for Jets With No. 2 Overall Pick

With Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza expected to go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, the New York Jets have more options than any other team in the 2026 NFL draft.

The team has several holes to fill, but the position that seems most popular for New York to address in mock drafts is edge-rusher.

The Jets traded former first-round pick Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans earlier in the offseason for defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat, leaving an opening along the defensive line opposite former first-rounder Will McDonald.

The belief is New York is deciding between Ohio State edge-rusher Arvell Reese and Texas tech edge-rusher David Bailey, but Vegas sportsbooks are convinced the team is zeroing in on one player.

"Former Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese is the favorite to be the franchise’s choice with the second selection, per FanDuel Sportsbook’s latest odds," Brad Crawford of CBS Sports wrote. "That lines up with what CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones is hearing this week.

"… It's the positional versatility and raw athleticism - size (6-foot-4, 241 pounds) and speed (4.47-second 40-yard dash) - that makes him a hot commodity. At his best, Reese will be a difference-maker off the edge, akin to Micah Parsons, or a defender coaching staffs aren’t afraid to drop into coverage or ask to play at outside linebacker."

Reese had a highly productive season last year, logging 69 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 27 pressures, 13 hurries, six QB hits, per Pro Football Focus.

Conversely, Bailey was one of the more dangerous edge-rushers in the country, recording 52 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, 81 pressures, 43 hurries, 23 QB hits, according to PFF.

Seemingly, the Jets can't go wrong with either player.

If they want the more explosive pass-rusher who will solely focus on getting to the quarterback, Bailey should be their guy. If they want the more well-rounded player who can set the edge, drop back into coverage when needed, and just wreak havoc along the defensive line, then Reese should be the pick.

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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 8:58 PM.