Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) reacts during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Any NFL fans with betting apps downloaded last season were almost sure to bet against the New York Jets in 2025. Under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn, the Jets got even worse, going from 5-12 the year before to 3-14.
Due to their poor record, New York has the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Additionally, they have the 16th overall pick thanks to their trading of Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts.
With two picks so high in the Draft
, the Jets are in a good position to add some young talent that can contribute to their roster right away. They certainly have plenty of needs on their roster, but one player who will be available with the number-two pick could be a major star in the NFL.A six-foot-four, 241-pound linebacker, Ohio State’s Arvell Reese is considered to be one of the best prospects at his position that the league has seen in quite some time. In fact, Bruce Feldman of The Athletic suggests that Reese is the “surest bet for future stardom in this draft.”
The difference between Reese and other linebackers (and players, for that matter) is that he has an exceptionally high floor. In other words, while he can easily become one of the best defensive players in the NFL, at his very worst, he will still be an above-average player.
A National Champion in 2024 with the Buckeyes, Reese had his best individual season in 2025, racking up 69 total tackles in 14 games. He also had 10.0 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and two passes defended.
Reese was named an All-American because of his performance during the 2025 season.
With the second overall pick, the Jets, clearly, will have to choose from just about every player in the 2026 NFL Draft. With quarterback Fernando Mendoza expected to be picked first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, New York can address any positional need they have.
What makes the selection of Reese all the more intriguing is that Glenn, who took a step back from defensive duties in his first year as a head coach, plans on being more involved this upcoming season. Glenn got the most out of his players when he was the defensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, so one should assume he can take a player like Reese and turn him into a certified star.