Excitement is already building around the 2026 NFL Draft, particularly among New York Jets fans, as the team holds valuable draft capital, including the second and 16th overall selections.
While there has been debate about how the Jets will use the second overall pick, the consensus mock draft from NFL Mock Draft Database projects a clear favorite. As of Jan. 25, 2026, Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese is the heavy front-runner to be selected by New York, carrying 73 percent odds.
Reese was one of college football’s standout players this past season. The 20-year-old linebacker recorded 69 total tackles and 6.5 sacks, anchoring a Buckeyes defense that ranked among the best in the nation.
GettyLB Arvell Reese.
Why Arvell Reese Is a Top-2 Pick Candidate
Reese, listed as a linebacker, can also rush off the edge, which is huge for NFL teams looking for versatility. On top of that, his mix of size, speed, and strength is really hard to overlook.
“Arvell Reese is an absolute monster on the football field. He has played both off ball linebacker and edge rusher throughout his career. Reese is big, very fast and has the power to throw around 300 pound plus offensive lineman,” wrote Thomas Martinez of Sports Illustrated.
The 2025 consensus All-American’s tackling ability also stands out, especially for a Jets team that needs improvement in that area.
“Reese is an enforcer as a tackler. He rarely misses tackles with a 6.7 percent missed tackle rate in 2025. His closing speed in space is special and will catch ball carriers off guard. Reese’s closing burst will shock quarterbacks into taking sacks or will catch running backs before they can react coming through rush lanes,” wrote Martinez.
On ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2026 big board, Reese is ranked as the top defensive prospect and the fourth overall prospect entering the draft
“Reese jumps off the Ohio State tape, playing the game like a veteran. I see natural instincts at the linebacker position that allow him to make plays most guys just can’t make, and he has the burst to get home when turned loose as a pass rusher,” wrote Kiper Jr.
The Jets struggled mightily on defense this past season, allowing 29.6 points per game, which ranked 31st in the league according to Fox Sports. Adding Reese, a player who could make an immediate impact as both a run stopper and pass rusher, would give the unit a significant boost heading into next season.
GettyReese is a strong pass rusher and run stopper.
Jets Projected to Land WR at Pick 16
Although not as heavily favored as Reese to go to the Jets, NFL Mock Draft Database lists USC wide receiver Makai Lemon as the favorite to be selected by New York at pick 16, with 29 percent odds.
The Jets are expected to address the wide receiver position this offseason, as the team does not have a clear-cut WR2 to pair with star receiver Garrett Wilson. Lemon has the potential to fill that role quickly.
Lemon is listed as the 11th overall prospect on Kiper Jr.’s 2026 big board.
“He snatches the ball away from his body in an attacking manner, then runs with a fierce approach after the catch. He is one of my favorite players in the class, and he ranked third in the nation in receiving yards per game,” Kiper Jr. wrote.
In 12 games in 2025, Lemon recorded 1,156 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, according to ESPN.
GettyWR Makai Lemon.
Clear Favorite Emerges for Jets’ No. 2 Pick in 2026 Draft