Jets Weighing Options at No. 2 Pick in 2026 NFL Draft

New York has several top prospects visiting, including edge rushers and wide receivers

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:12pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in navy, green, and orange hues, representing the multifaceted nature of the Jets' draft plans.The Jets' 2026 draft strategy is a complex puzzle, with multiple high-value pieces they must carefully assemble.Today in Pittsburgh

The New York Jets hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and are hosting several top prospects for pre-draft visits, including edge rushers David Bailey and Arvell Reese as well as wide receivers Makai Lemon, Chris Bell, Carnell Tate, and Jordyn Tyson. The team is considering both edge rusher and wide receiver with their first-round selections as they look to bolster their roster ahead of the upcoming season.

Why it matters

The Jets are coming off a disappointing season and hold a high draft pick, so their decisions in the 2026 draft will be crucial in determining the team's trajectory going forward. Addressing needs at edge rusher and wide receiver could help the Jets take a step forward and compete in the AFC East.

The details

The Jets have nine total picks in the 2026 draft, including the No. 2 overall selection. They've hosted several top prospects for pre-draft visits, including edge rushers David Bailey and Arvell Reese as well as wide receivers Makai Lemon, Chris Bell, Carnell Tate, and Jordyn Tyson. Bailey and Reese are considered the favorites to be selected with the No. 2 pick, as the team looks to bolster its pass rush. At wide receiver, the Jets are interested in finding a bigger target to complement star Garrett Wilson, with Bell, Tate, and Tyson all potential first-round options.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh.
  • The Jets hold the No. 2 overall pick in Round 1.

The players

David Bailey

A defensive end who is considered the more polished pass rusher of the edge rushers the Jets are eyeing with the No. 2 pick.

Arvell Reese

A linebacker who intrigues the Jets with his versatility and upside, though he is less polished than Bailey as a pass rusher.

Makai Lemon

A wide receiver prospect the Jets are considering with one of their first-round picks as they look to find a bigger target to pair with star Garrett Wilson.

Chris Bell

A wide receiver prospect who, at 6-foot-2, fits the mold of a bigger receiver the Jets are seeking, though he is more likely to be a second-round option.

Carnell Tate

A wide receiver prospect the Jets are showing interest in as a potential first-round selection to bolster their receiving corps.

Jordyn Tyson

Another wide receiver prospect the Jets are considering with one of their first-round picks as they look to add size and talent to their passing attack.

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What they’re saying

“At this stage of their careers, Bailey is the more polished pass rusher, but Reese intrigues with his versatility and upside.”

— Rich Cimini, Jets reporter

What’s next

The Jets will continue their pre-draft evaluations and visits with top prospects as they determine their strategy for the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh.

The takeaway

The Jets have a critical opportunity to improve their roster with the No. 2 overall pick and their nine total selections in the 2026 draft. Their focus on edge rushers and wide receivers suggests they are looking to upgrade key positions of need as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing season and compete in the AFC East.