Jets Urged to Draft 14.5-Sack Edge Over Ohio State Hybrid

Experts say New York should avoid repeating Jaguars' Aidan Hutchinson mistake.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:58pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in the midst of a pass rush, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the colors of the New York Jets - forest green, white, and black - conceptually representing the difficult decision facing the team's front office.The Jets' choice between an elite pass rusher and a more versatile hybrid prospect could shape the future of their defense.NYC Today

The New York Jets hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and are considering two top prospects: Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey and Ohio State linebacker/edge hybrid Arvell Reese. Analysts are urging the Jets to select the pure edge rusher Bailey, who recorded 14.5 sacks last season, over the more versatile but less dominant Reese.

Why it matters

The Jets are looking to bolster their pass rush after a disappointing season, and experts believe Bailey's elite production off the edge is the safer pick compared to Reese's hybrid skillset. The decision could have long-term implications, as the Jaguars were criticized for taking Aidan Hutchinson over Travon Walker in the 2022 draft.

The details

Bailey, a 6'5" 260-pound defensive end, led the nation with 14.5 sacks in 2025 and is considered one of the top pure pass rushers in this year's class. Reese, meanwhile, is a more versatile prospect who can play both linebacker and edge, but his sack numbers (8.5 in 2025) don't match Bailey's elite production.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will be held on April 24-26.

The players

David Bailey

A 6'5", 260-pound edge rusher from Texas Tech who led the nation with 14.5 sacks in 2025.

Arvell Reese

A linebacker/edge hybrid prospect from Ohio State who recorded 8.5 sacks in 2025.

Aaron Glenn

The head coach of the New York Jets.

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What’s next

The Jets will make their selection with the No. 2 overall pick on April 25th.

The takeaway

The Jets have a crucial decision to make with the second pick, as they must weigh the merits of the elite pass rusher Bailey against the more versatile but less dominant Reese. Their choice could have long-term implications, as the Jaguars faced criticism for a similar decision in 2022.