Arvell Reese — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

The Jets need a full-on talent infusion, and Reese might be the best overall player in this year's draft.

The Jets need playmakers across the board on defense. In case you haven't heard, they set NFL records for fewest turnovers (four) and interceptions (zero) in a season. Reese can't solve all of that, but he has Micah Parsons-esque potential as a college off-ball linebacker with the skills to be a dominant pass rusher. His ability to play at multiple spots would make him a fun chess piece for Aaron Glenn to deploy as he returns to calling plays on that side of the ball. If there was a quarterback worth taking here, the Jets would do it — but unfortunately, there isn't.

As NFL defenses continue to evolve, positional versatility is becoming more valuable, and Arvell Reese provides that. He can play all three linebacker spots, fit any scheme, and is as good off the ball as he is rushing off the edge. In other words, he's the kind of player likely to come off the board early.

Reese provides Washington some explosiveness and versatility. He might be a tougher projection than some of the other pass rushers in this year's draft, given that he split time between edge rusher and off-ball linebacker for the Buckeyes. Reese has the highest upside of the group, though.

A quarterback is unlikely at this juncture for the Jets, who have myriad needs to address in this draft and the next, when they are flush with picks. Only the 49ers finished with fewer sacks than the Jets in 2025, so Reese could bring New York's defense significant pass-rush upside and versatility.

After playing mostly inside linebacker at Ohio State prior to last season, Reese kicked out to a primary edge role in 2025 and posted 6.5 sacks. Only Will McDonald IV had a higher sack total (8) among Jets players last season. Reese has great length, a quick first step and smooth athletic movements to bend the edge around opposing tackles.

Another best player available move, this time with the Titans drafting someone who could be considered the best player in the draft. Reese is a disruptive, explosive player who has upside as a pass rusher and run defender. He would fit right in Robert Saleh's defense off the edge and could create a wrecking duo with star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.

The draft suddenly gets interesting at No. 2. The Jets have a big quarterback need, and they could use Ty Simpson. But this roster needs a lot of help after trading away all its stars.

So, the Jets take quite possibly the best player in the draft. Reese is a versatile defender. I think he's best when he's on the ball — he's explosive, flexible and can bend. All of those things are going to pay off in a big way for Reese at the next level. He reminds me so much of Micah Parsons, who flashed some of his pass-rushing ability in college before majoring as a pass rusher in the NFL. Reese can blitz up the middle and can tackle, too.