The New York Jets had a 3-14 record last season and had one of the worst defenses in the NFL. New York didn’t record a single interception a season ago and they need to find more playmakers on defense this offseason. There were questions about the Jets quarterback position, but they are going to ride with Geno Smith for the 2026 NFL season.
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Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets coach Alexander Netter during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Jets are going to have a lot of options at number two in the NFL Draft, and they are also going to have the 16th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. It is going to be interesting to see which direction this franchise heads in.
Latest CBS Sports NFL Mock Draft Has the New York Jets Selecting Arvell Reese Second Overall
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Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) blocks Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Garrett Podell of CBS Sports created his latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft. With the second overall pick, he has the Jets selecting edge rusher Arvell Reese from the Ohio State Buckeyes. Reese has been projected to go anywhere between two and five in this draft. Podell said,
“The Jets completely remade their defense with numerous moves, like trading for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat from the Titans and five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Dolphins. They also signed Pro Bowl cornerback Nahshon Wright to a one-year deal. Adding the explosive Arvell Reese to beef up their pass rush could be exactly what the doctor ordered for a defense that became the first to not have an interception in a season in 2025.”
Reese is 6’4″ and weighs 243 lbs. He recorded 69 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two pass deflections. Reese is one of the best defensive players in this draft. The Jets are going to have to decide if he is the best player for them. There are other good options out there like Caleb Downs, Rueben Bain Jr., and David Bailey. Reese however has been mainly one of the guys that has been projected to go in the top five from Ohio State.
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