Reese remains a leading candidate to be the Jets’ selection at No. 2, though New York continues to be linked in the chatter to Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey as well. He has indicated that his pre-draft meetings with Jets coaches, including head coach Aaron Glenn, went well and that he would welcome the opportunity to join the franchise.
Over the past two seasons at Ohio State, Reese has established himself as a versatile defender and a key contributor to the program’s success. He helped the Buckeyes win a National Championship last year and earned All-American honors in 2025, posting 69 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two pass breakups across 14 games.
The Jets, in the midst of a rebuild after trading longtime pillars Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, are looking for a franchise-defining defensive piece. Reese has said he would be thrilled to go No. 2 or higher, underscoring his readiness to contribute immediately and his respect for the Jets’ staff, including Glenn.
While Bailey and Reese are both highly regarded, the Jets’ final call will come down to how the front office values each player’s fit and potential impact. The debate reflects a broader evaluation as New York aims to stabilize its defense and accelerate its rebuilding process.
Regardless of the exact pick, Reese’s name remains at the center of the Jets’ No. 2 discussion, and his early conversations with the organization suggest he could be in the mix to hear his name called near the top of the draft. Thursday night will determine whether his NFL career starts in New York or elsewhere, with a decision that could shape the Jets’ trajectory for years.
