Only one pick makes sense for the Jets

The New York Jets will be one of several teams having multiple selections in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Nevertheless, for obvious reasons, most fans and analysts seem to be fixated on the No. 2 pick. For most of the predraft process, big boards and mock drafts have gone back and forth between Ohio State's Arvell Reese and Texas Tech's David Bailey.

However, if it truly comes down to those two, the Jets shouldn’t hesitate to go with Reese, and not necessarily because he’s the best player, but because he fits their timeline.

The Jets need to be patient with Arvell Reese

Expecting the Jets to be much better in the second year of the Aaron Glenn era might be just wishful thinking. They don’t have a quarterback, and they’re more than just a couple of pieces away from playoff contention.

As such, they should roll the dice on Reese, who may not be as NFL-ready or have such a high floor as Bailey, but who has a higher upside. Reese is an excellent linebacker who’s just getting some work as a pass-rusher. It’ll take time before he can make an impact as a headhunter, and the Jets, unlike other teams, can afford to let him grow and learn through his mistakes.

His athleticism, speed, strength and bend are just otherworldly, and it’s a matter of getting him the reps he needs to become the hybrid superstar he can be. Of course, Bailey is also an excellent prospect, and this team couldn’t go wrong either way. Then again, it needs as many stars as it can get its hands on, and Reese might be the biggest difference-maker among all defensive prospects in this class.