For several months, many have assumed the Las Vegas Raiders would take quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. But what will the New York Jets do with the No. 2 overall selection?
Then again, many expected the Jets to select freak athlete pass-rusher/linebacker Arvel Reese from Ohio State. Still, Jets general manager Darren Maugy isn't planning on doing that on April 23, when the first round of the NFL Draft will take place.
according to Sports IllustratedAccording to NFL insider Albert Breer, the Jets may be leaning toward selecting a different pass-rusher, Texas Tech's David Bailey, instead.
"There seems to be a consensus that Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey will be the second pick in the draft. Bailey is the guy who will help now – help bring a defensive system from the ground up, help build confidence in the locker room and help provide that light at the end of the tunnel. He's also worthy of the pick, with gleaming advanced statistics supporting plenty of tape showing a plug-and-play, hands-in-the-ground pass rusher. It's Explains why so many NFL people see this getting on track and why it will be so important for the Jets.
SI's Albert Breer is No. 2 on the New York Jets' scheme
As mentioned, while Reese may have more overall range, Bailey is the player who is more polished right now. After winning only three games last season, the Jets are feeling the need to win now, and Bailey may be more equipped to do that right now than Reese.
So, if the Jets turn to Bailey, it opens up the question of how far Reese will fall, and how the decision made at the top will impact the remaining top picks of the 2026 NFL Draft. Reese likely won't be available for long; His wait may also end at the next pick, where the Arizona Cardinals will be third. If not, the Tennessee Titans select fourth, and they could be tempted by superstar prospect Reese's offer.
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