How Jets could land best prospect in 2026 NFL Draft at second overall

This offseason, the New York Jets are dealing with a tricky quarterback situation. With a big need after Justin Fields didn't work out, a quarterback is something the Jets need ot invest in.

Ideally, they would be in a position to take Fernando Mendoza at the top of the NFL Draft. But, with the Las Vegas Raiders not moving off of the Indiana QB, the Jets need to pivot. And the lackluster QB class makes the Jets unlikely to take one at second overall.

But that might not be a bad thing. Jeff Legwold of ESPN, in asking NFL scouts and executives, found that the best prospect in the NFL Draft this year isn't Mendoza, but a defender who's been linked to the Jets often this offseason.

How Jets can land NFL Draft's best prospect second overall

Legwold asked scouts and executives, "Who is the best prospect in the class, regardless of position?" The answers he got make it clear the Jets have the ability to land the best prospect second overall.

Ohio State's Arvell Reese received five of the 10 votes as this year's best prospect. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love received three votes, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs received one vote, and Mendoza received only one vote as well.

"When it comes to who the best prospect in the 2026 class, regardless of position," Legwold writes, "that honor based on our pooling goes to Reese."

Reese is an interesting player, as his athleticism is intriguing, and with the ability to play as both an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker, the Ohio State defender is one of the best players in this year's class.

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In many mock drafts, the Jets have been linked to Reese at second overall. After half of the polled executives and scouts went with Reese as the best prospect in this class, it's not a surprise he's strongly linked to the Jets at second overall.

The Raiders are fully set on Mendoza first overall, which, in turn, could have the Jets landing Reese at second overall.

If that happens, based on this voting, the Jets would be getting the 2026 NFL Draft's best prospect at second overall. Missing on Mendoza would sting, but a player with the upside of Reese is something to get excited about.

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