Jets Narrowed Decision Down to 2 Players for No. 2 Pick: Report

It's a foregone conclusion that Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will go first overall in the 2026 NFL draft to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Who the New York Jets plans to take No. 2 overall, however, is much more of a mystery.

According to CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones, though, New York has seemingly narrowed down its choices to two players.

"I can’t say with absolute confidence who the New York Jets will draft at No. 2 overall next week, but sources say the pick will either be David Bailey or Arvell Reese. And most of the league - and my sources - believe the Jets will land on Bailey," Jones wrote.

"The decision, according to sources, comes down to a fundamental question: do you want immediate help now, or do you want even better help down the road? Bailey is considered to be the more pro-ready prospect of the two. He’s a 22-year-old edge rusher who has a prototypical build and graduated early from Stanford. Last year at Texas Tech he racked up 14 1/2 sacks.

"Reese started less than two seasons at Ohio State and spent time as a hybrid outside linebacker. He will turn 21 just before the start of the season and needs a little more size to be considered ideal as an edge rusher in this league."

Reese (69 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 27 pressures, 13 hurries, six QB hits) and Bailey (52 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, 81 pressures, 43 hurries, 23 QB hits) are two of the three edge-rushers considered to be elite in the draft class along with Miami's Rueben Bain Jr.

According to Jones, NFL executives are split on whether the Jets should gamble on Reese or Bailey.

"Bailey is the surest one but Arvell is going to be a star," an anonymous defensive coordinator told Jones. "Arvell needs some time and the Jets need someone right now.”

"I would take [Reese] before any of the other guys," an anonymous assistant GM told Jones. "He’s the most explosive. Everyone talks about him not doing it much but I don’t care. The draft is a projection. That’s what we get paid to do."

Whoever the Jets pass on, the Arizona Cardinals (No. 3), Tennessee Titans (No. 4), and New York Giants (No. 5) are all logical landing spots for them. The Kansas City Chiefs at No. 9 overall and Cincinnati Bengals at No. 10 overall are also a potential options for edge-rushers, and the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12 overall have been rumored to potentially move up for an elite defensive player as well.

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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 9:10 PM.