New York Jets Draft Options at No. 2: Best Fits and Sleeper Picks

Dean Bruce|published: Mon 30th March, 09:23 2026

Jan 27, 2025; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn speaks during his introductory press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

The 2026 NFL Draft technically begins at pick one, but to anyone with eyes during college football season, the first pick was broadcast the moment Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman. The Las Vegas Raiders are almost guaranteed to be quarterbacked next season by Mendoza — he'll cement this at a pro day this week — so if you’re an armchair GM or the type that gives a nickel who is the next best available, your eyes are probably set on the New York Jets, who hold the second pick in the draft.

The Jets had a disastrous season in first-year head coach Aaron Glenn's debut. They scraped together three wins and ranked bottom five in both offensive and defensive performance. It’s safe to say almost any blue-chip player is in play at No. 2. And based on the recent track record of the front office, a trade might be just as possible as any of our pick projections below.

Why? The Jets need all the help they can unearth.

MOST LIKELY: David Bailey, Texas Tech

After trading away Jermaine Johnson to the Titans for nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat, the Jets effectively plugged one hole while creating another. They signed Joseph Ossai in the offseason, but Ossai is probably a better fit in a rotational role, where they still need a guy to play the majority of snaps. Enter Bailey, a twitched-up, mega-athletic speed rusher with 14.5 sacks on a playoff team. Glenn built a defensive line interested in quick first step explosiveness, Bailey’s best trait. The fit seems like a match made in heaven.

EXTREMELY POSSIBLE: Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Nearly as likely as Bailey is the Ohio State hybrid edge rusher/linebacker, who is not quite as built as Bailey, but is a little bit faster.

His positional tweener nature may make teams a little hesitant, but if you’re looking for the next Micah Parsons, Reese has the athletic traits and the hand strength that you’d look for in a cornerstone defensive player.

POSITION OF NEED: Carnell Tate, Ohio State

If the Jets decide to look at where the least talent is on their team, they’re going to see a gaping hole where at least two more wide receivers should be next to Garrett Wilson. Wilson’s a wonderful player who could be unlocked even further if placed next to fellow Buckeye Carnell Tate, who would help open up the middle of the field as he uses his impressive catch radius and leverage ability to provide a safety valve to Geno Smith.

WILD CARD: Ty Simpson, Alabama

Oct 11, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) throws against the Missouri Tigers during the first half of the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Sometimes teams get antsy and want to open their window immediately.

Simpson isn’t expected to be a top three player currently, but smoke has been blowing about him rising higher than some may expect from a prospect who has only started one year of high-level football. Geno Smith is not going to push this team to a playoff run, and if Glenn already feels the hot seat (which he might after the pathetic defensive performances of last year) he may feel the need to prove he has a vision that can set the Jets up for the future.

The Jets also have three first-round picks next year. So if Glenn and Company are willing to take the really — really, really — long view on this rebuild, they can stand firm with what they have and stack losses for another season.

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