Arvell Reese Hyped by NFL Exec Ahead of Draft Amid Jets Rumors Involving David Bailey

The New York Jets are facing a tough decision with the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, but some around the league feel there's a clear-cut choice.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer spoke to a team executive who hyped up Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese despite the ongoing rumors linking Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey to the Jets.

"He's maybe as physically gifted as anyone in the draft," the exec said of Reese. "It's time on task—he's never spent a ton of time at one spot. Off the ball, he's got a ton of ability. He can rush the passer, and that's probably where his greatest value is. You want to have a vision for the guy."

B/R's NFL Scouting Department predicted in its latest mock draft that the Jets would select Reese with the No. 2 pick, highlighting his positional flexibility. However, recent reports have pegged Bailey as the favorite to land in New York.

Breer explained that "a reason why a consensus seems to be crystallizing" that Bailey will be the Jets' selection is that time could be running out for head coach Aaron Glenn to prove that he's the right person to lead the rebuild in New York. While Reese could need more time to figure out his best position in the NFL due to his versatility, Bailey is a sure-fire edge rusher who can be plugged into any defense right away.

"This is no affront to Reese—but of the two, Bailey is clearly that guy. Where with Reese, you must have a plan to use and develop him at positions he has great ability but not much experience at, there's not a lot of that with Bailey," Breer stated. "His ceiling isn't as high as Reese's, but no one has to close their eyes and conjure up a vision for what he'll be as a pro."

The No. 2 pick in this year's draft will be crucial to the Jets' future, so it's important that Glenn and company make the right decision if they want to maintain their positions in the organization.