New Jets Trade Rumors on No. 2 Pick in 2026 NFL Draft amid David Bailey vs. Arvell Reese Debate

The New York Jets recently settled on the player that the team will select with the No. 2 overall choice in the 2026 NFL draft while trade interest in the pick remains low, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

"The Jets had settled on their pick as of late last week and have shifted to the No. 16 selection and how the board might fall there," Fowler reported Wednesday. "The team had not received any inquiries for the No. 2 pick as of midday Wednesday."

The Jets have been linked to Texas Tech edge-rusher David Bailey as well as Ohio State edge-rusher Arvell Reese throughout the pre-draft process.

CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported April 16 that "most of the league" believes New York will select Bailey.

It's worth noting that the team recently cancelled a planned visit with the Red Raiders star, although Jets general manager Darren Mougey later downplayed the move when speaking to reporters.

Bailey wrapped up a 2025 season with Texas Tech in which he recorded 52 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks and three forces fumbles.

As for Reese, he racked up 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and two passes defended across 14 games with the Buckeyes last year.

The Jets were projected to select Reese at No. 2 in the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

The first round of the 2026 draft begins on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.