Arvell Reese is quickly becoming one of the hottest topics in the upcoming NFL Draft. With his undeniable talent, he's almost a lock for a top-10 pick. But where he'll land is still up in the air.
Early mock drafts had Reese heading to the Jets, a team in need of a talent boost. However, with the Jets eyeing a 3-4 base defense in 2026, they're on the lookout for a dynamic edge rusher. Reese has the potential to excel in this role, but the Jets might be hesitant, given their history of questionable decisions.
Field Yates, one of ESPN's draft experts, weighed in on the situation. He sees Reese as a remarkable player but questions if he's the right fit for the Jets at this moment.
"David Bailey will be an advanced pass rusher from day one in the NFL. For Arvell Reese, it may take some time," Yates commented, suggesting Bailey might be the Jets' preferred choice for their second overall pick.
The Jets face a dilemma with Reese. His versatility is both a blessing and a curse.
Reese can rush the passer, play off the ball, and even drop into coverage. While college football embraces this Swiss-Army knife approach, the NFL often seeks specialists.
Yates further explained that the Jets might lean toward Bailey, who, while not as versatile as Reese, excels in the one area the Jets desperately need.
"Reese may need time to develop into a top-tier edge rusher. He ended last season without a sack in his final six games. He's a potential standout as an inside linebacker, which is valuable, but for a game-changing pass rush, Bailey seems the safer choice," Yates noted.
Some mock drafts still have Reese going second, others have him heading to the Titans at fourth or the Browns at sixth. No matter where he lands, the consensus is clear: Reese will elevate any defense he joins.