Jets Eyeing Versatile Ohio State Linebacker at No. 2 Overall

Arvell Reese's pass-rush ability and positional flexibility make him an ideal fit for the Jets' defense.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:20pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant green, blue, and orange hues.A cubist interpretation of a versatile linebacker's explosive movements on the gridiron.Today in Miami

With the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Jets are targeting Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, who impressed scouts with his combination of size, speed, and pass-rushing prowess at the NFL Combine. Reese's versatility to play both off-ball linebacker and edge rusher makes him an ideal fit for the Jets' defense, which struggled mightily in 2025.

Why it matters

The Jets have a prime opportunity to add an impact defender with the second overall selection, and Reese's unique skill set could help transform their defense. As a versatile playmaker, he has the potential to boost the Jets' pass rush and shore up their linebacker corps, two areas of major need.

The details

At 6-foot-4 and 241 pounds, Reese ran a blazing 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, showcasing his rare athleticism for a player of his size. In his final season at Ohio State, he recorded 6.5 sacks, demonstrating his ability to get after the quarterback. Reese's combination of size, speed, and production has made him a popular mock draft target for the Jets at No. 2 overall.

  • Reese had a standout 2025 season at Ohio State, recording 6.5 sacks.
  • Reese impressed scouts with his 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Combine.

The players

Arvell Reese

A versatile linebacker from Ohio State who excels as both an off-ball linebacker and edge rusher, making him an ideal fit for the Jets' defense.

Aaron Glenn

The defensive coordinator for the New York Jets, who is tasked with improving the team's 29.6 points per game allowed in 2025.

Fernando Mendoza

The projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, who is expected to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders.

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What they’re saying

“But I like Reese because of the positional versatility he would bring to coach Aaron Glenn's defense. With the Jets, Reese should be viewed as a playmaker who could boost the second-worst scoring defense from 2025 (29.6 points per game).”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Jets will have a chance to evaluate Reese further during pre-draft visits and workouts as they determine if he is the best fit for their second overall selection.

The takeaway

The Jets' defense was a major weakness in 2025, and adding a versatile playmaker like Arvell Reese could be the key to turning things around. Reese's unique skill set as both an off-ball linebacker and edge rusher makes him an ideal target for the Jets at No. 2 overall, as they look to bolster their front seven and improve their overall defensive performance.