NFL sources reportedly believe Jets will make this Arvell Reese, David Bailey decision

Barring what would be one of the more shocking developments in recent NFL history, the Las Vegas Raiders will select Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first pick of the 2026 draft this coming Thursday night. 

Meanwhile, reporters and analysts continue to debate whether the New York Jets will take Ohio State pass-rusher Arvell Reese or Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey at selection No. 2. For a piece published on Monday, NFL and Jets reporter Connor Hughes of SNY offered a noteworthy update regarding Gang Green's mindset heading into Thursday evening. 

NFL teams think they know what Jets will do at pick No. 2

"Most league sources SNY spoke with, as of Monday, believe the pick will be Reese," Hughes explained. "Bailey is viewed as the better pass-rusher — multiple sources, including two general managers, told SNY he’s the best in the class. But Reese is considered the better overall prospect."

Specifically, Dane Brugler of The Athletic has Reese ranked as the top overall player in this year's draft class. To compare, Bailey is No. 7 on Brugler's list of prospects. 

Are some analysts wrong about how Aaron Glenn views Jets' Arvell Reese, David Bailey decision?

Some previously said that Jets head coach Aaron Glenn may prefer to grab Bailey because Reese is viewed as more of a project for the future who may not necessarily help a team win multiple games this coming season. Interestingly, Hughes shared on Monday that one source referred to Reese as a "perfect" Glenn player who is a "tough, physical and versatile" prospect. 

"His skill set would give Glenn, now calling plays, a needed chess piece for a defense that ranked 25th in yards allowed per game (355.6) and 31st in scoring defense (29.6) in 2025," Hughes added about Reese. 

Additionally, Hughes wrote that "there is a worry within league circles that [Bailey] might not be a three-down guy" due to concerns about his ability to help a pro defense stop opposing rushing attacks. 

"You don’t have those concerns with Reese," a coach told Hughes. "He’s just a better overall player."

As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Reese as the betting favorite at -260 odds to be the draft's second pick. At that same time, Bailey was at +180 odds. 

There's no indication the Jets will trade out of pick No. 2 by Thursday night.