The New York Jets are picking No. 2 overall in the 2026 NFL draft, and with Fernando Mendoza set to go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, and no other quarterback worth such a high pick, the Jets will likely take a big swing on defense.
There are plenty of wide receiver options down the board, and the offensive line is mostly complete. Running back and tight end aren't options, which leaves the defensive side of the ball as their most likely target. And of their options, one Ohio State player sticks out.
Arvell Reese, a player the Jets have been frequently linked to this offseason, drew an intriguing comparison ahead of the draft. ESPN's Jeff Legwold compared Reese to Green Bay Packers superstar Micah Parsons. If Reese can be like Parsons, he'd be the pick.
Arvell Reese compared to Micah Parsons
"This is through the prism of Parsons as a prospect in 2021," Legwold writes. "... Like Parsons, some teams might give both elements a long look for Rewese, but the Ohio State defender won't be 21 until August, and the possibilities are intriguing. Reese might be the best pure prospect in the class."
Parsons was a similar player coming out of Penn State back in 2021 to Reese this year. He was 6-foot-3, 246 pounds compared to Reese's 6-foot-4, 241 pounds.
They also ran a similar 40-yard dash time, with Parsons clocking in at 4.36 seconds and Reese coming in at 4.46 seconds. Parsons has the edge, but they aren't too far apart, especially for players at their position.
More: Jets ideal pick at No. 2 overall is Arvell Reese out of Ohio State
But the comparison doesn't stop there. Both Reese and Parsons, coming out of their collegiate days, were off-ball linebackers for much of their careers with some intriguing pass-rusher upside.
The reason why Reese is getting No. 2 overall buzz is that he could make the transition to edge rusher just as successful as when Parsons made the switch coming into the NFL.
The Jets are strongly linked to Reese this offseason, as he's been the pick in many mock drafts from experts around the NFL. It's a move that would make a lot of sense, as his high-upside is the exact kind of thing the Jets need.
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