Jets Narrowed Decision Down to 2 Players for No. 2 Pick: Report

New York Jets weighing options between two top edge rushers ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:10am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in the colors of football uniforms, representing the complex decision-making process of the New York Jets ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.The Jets' high-stakes decision on their No. 2 overall pick will reverberate throughout the 2026 NFL Draft.Kansas City Today

According to NFL insider Jonathan Jones, the New York Jets have narrowed down their options for the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to two players: David Bailey, a 22-year-old edge rusher from Texas Tech, and Arvell Reese, a 20-year-old edge rusher from Ohio State. The decision reportedly comes down to whether the Jets want immediate help with the more pro-ready Bailey or potential long-term upside with the younger Reese.

Why it matters

The Jets' decision at No. 2 overall will have significant implications for the rest of the draft, as the player they pass on could end up being selected by teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, or Dallas Cowboys, all of whom are in need of elite edge rushing talent.

The details

Bailey had 14.5 sacks and 81 pressures last season at Texas Tech, while Reese had 6.5 sacks and 27 pressures at Ohio State. NFL executives are split on whether the Jets should go with the more polished Bailey or take a chance on the higher upside of Reese, who needs more time to develop but is considered a potential star.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for next week.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The quarterback from Indiana who is expected to be selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft.

David Bailey

A 22-year-old edge rusher from Texas Tech who had 14.5 sacks and 81 pressures last season, and is considered the more pro-ready prospect between him and Arvell Reese.

Arvell Reese

A 20-year-old edge rusher from Ohio State who had 6.5 sacks and 27 pressures last season, and is seen as having higher long-term potential but needing more time to develop.

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What they’re saying

“I can't say with absolute confidence who the New York Jets will draft at No. 2 overall next week, but sources say the pick will either be David Bailey or Arvell Reese. And most of the league — and my sources — believe the Jets will land on Bailey.”

— Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports insider

“Bailey is the surest one but Arvell is going to be a star. Arvell needs some time and the Jets need someone right now.”

— Anonymous, Defensive coordinator

“I would take [Reese] before any of the other guys. He's the most explosive. Everyone talks about him not doing it much but I don't care. The draft is a projection. That's what we get paid to do.”

— Anonymous, Assistant GM

What’s next

The Jets will make their decision on who to select with the No. 2 overall pick at the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for next week.

The takeaway

The Jets' decision at No. 2 overall will have a significant impact on the rest of the draft, as the player they pass on could end up being selected by several teams in need of elite edge rushing talent. The choice between the more pro-ready Bailey and the higher upside but rawer Reese will be a critical one for the Jets as they look to build a championship-caliber roster.