The 2026 NFL Draft is upon us as the New York Jets come in with a whole lot of picks, and a lot of work to be done. New York of course holds the second overall pick in the draft and it’s a big one that can help set or break the franchise going into the future.
Speculation is that New York will be going defensive with the second pick, specifically edge rusher. The question is though which edge rusher will it be?
There’s only two options in Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and Texas Tech’s David Bailey. There has been tons of smoke around it being Bailey but Reese is the favorite to go at number two.
Reese has to be the pick I believe; the 6-foot-4, 243 pounder is the more complete player in my opinion. He not only can be a significant edge rusher for New York to help pressure the quarterback but he is also the better run stopper. He can also play off-ball linebacker if needed.
Bailey is the more raw speedster that you want at the edge but Reese has all the tools you want out of an NFL player. Bailey seems like just a lot of smoke being put out there as I think Reese unquestionably will be the selection for the Jets at second overall.
The Jets will follow that up with picks 16, 33,44 in the first two days followed with five picks on day three. New York’s main needs are Wide Receiver, Edge, Quarterback, Linebacker, and an Offensive Guard.
New York should not make the mistake of taking a quarterback too early: Ty Simpson with pick 16, don’t even think about it. If he falls to 33 then you can think about it. With the trade of Geno Smith, and all the picks they have in 2027, snagging a quarterback should not even be a concern for New York until day three unless Simpson is on the board in the second round.
Even then though I still think New York is better off filling another need.
At Pick 16, New York has to hope one of the three main receivers in Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon or Jordyn Tyson are there to get that legit pass catcher. I would even consider trading up if possible to get one of them.
If none of them are there, that’s where the Jets could look to move back to gain more assets or you could take a defensive back like Mansoor Delane or Jermond McCoy if one of them falls to you. The last option to me there would be Offensive Guard Olaivavega Ioane who might be the best lineman in the draft overall. They as well though could reach on a receiver like Omar Cooper Jr. or KC Concepcion.
On day two with their two second round picks the focus should be on getting those needs like receiver if you haven’t gotten anyone in the first round. The Jets mainly have holes to fill on defense but getting a number two receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson is crucial, they have to nail that part of the draft down.
Seven Round Mock Draft:
1(2): Edge Rusher: Arvell Reese
1(16): Offensive Guard: Olaivavega Ioane
2(33): Wide Receiver: Denzel Boston
2(44): Cornerback: Avieon Terrell
4(103): Wide Receiver: Zachariah Branch
4(140): Linebacker: Harold Perkins Jr.
5(179): Quarterback: Taylen Green
7(228): Safety: Devan Boykin
7(242): Defensive Tackle: Zxavian Harris
