Jets Country

Jets Can't Afford to Miss Out on Generational NFL Draft Star

The Jets are likely going to land a star at the top of the first round in the NFL Draft...
Zach Pressnell|
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) pursues Michigan Wolverines running back Bryson Kuzdzal (24) during the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) pursues Michigan Wolverines running back Bryson Kuzdzal (24) during the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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New York Jets

The New York Jets have the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, while also holding the Indianapolis Colts' first round pick from the Sauce Gardner trade.

There are a lot of holes on the Jets roster, including at quarterback, so they can't afford to miss with these two selections. At quarterback, there aren't any options at No. 2 overall. Fernando Mendoza is expected to go off the board at No. 1, which leaves Ty Simpson as the next best quarterback option.

Assuming the Jets pass on Simpson and target a different position, they will have plenty of options to choose from, but it seems likely they end up with a defensive star at this selection.

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NFL.com's Eric Edholm recently put together a mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft. With the No. 2 pick, Edholm predicted the Jets would select Ohio State Buckeyes edge rusher Arvell Reese. Reese is the most popular name connected to the Jets at pick No. 2.

Arvell Reese has superstar potential and the Jets can't miss on him

Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Rees
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) blocks Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

"Reese is far from a finished product, and there will be pressure on the Jets to weaponize him early, but if they’re patient, he could become a forceful pressure player and eventual game-changer," Edholm wrote.

Reese is one of the few players in the draft class with true superstar potential. He's an incredible athlete with impressive size and strength. Often times, he was able to beat opposing offensive linemen with bull rush moves and brute strength.

But he was also athletic enough to play the quarterback spy role as well as any player in college football. Reese's closing speed was something to behold at Ohio State.

He's far from a finished product, so there's quite a bit of risk involved with this idea, but it still seems like the correct pick for the Jets. If he pans out and reaches his full potential, it wouldn't be surprising to see him anchor the Jets defense for years to come.

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Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding "New York Jets On SI," please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

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