The New York Jets are ready for the 2026 NFL draft. New York will enter the draft with nine total selections, including the second overall pick. One national analyst made his final pick for who the Jets will select with the second pick in the draft.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. made his final predictions before the draft in his NFL mock draft 4.0 on Wednesday. Kiper has New York picking Texas Tech’s David Bailey over Ohio State’s Arvell Reese at second overall.
“I get the sense the Jets will take production over potential here in the great Bailey vs. Arvell Reese debate,” Kiper wrote. “New York was 31st in sacks last season with 26. It was 27th in pressure rate at 28.8%. Something has to change, and bringing in a player who led the FBS in pressure rate (20.2%) and tied for the lead in sacks (14.5) last season could do the trick. Bailey would be an instant-impact player off the edge for the Jets.”
Both Bailey and Reese have been connected to New York in the months leading up to the draft. Bailey could be the better fit for the Jets because of his ability to rush the passer and his schematic versatility.
To be clear, this is not an easy decision for New York to make. National analysts cannot even agree on which player is a better fit in Aaron Glenn’s defense.
Case in point, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler also released a new mock draft on Wednesday where New York picks Reese ahead of Bailey.
Ultimately, the Jets are in a good position by choosing between two elite edge rushers in the draft. Hopefully New York makes the right decision.
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