In less than two weeks, general manager Darren Mougey will have to make arguably the biggest decision of his career. With the 2026 NFL Draft kicking off on Thursday, April 23, all eyes are on the New York Jets. With Heisman Winner Fernando Mendoza projected to become the next franchise quarterback of the Las Vegas Raiders, the Jets must decide on the second pick. After Mendoza is picked first overall, New York has been connected to two players. However, this latest update indicates a decision may be made.
Before the clock starts, teams are taking their final meetings with prospects. Earlier today, it was reported that the team just canceled a visit. Does this mean New York has decided on who they will select? Let’s look closely at this latest news.
Jets Cancel Prospect Visit as NFL Draft Decision Nears
The 2026 NFL Draft starts on Thursday, April 23. The annual event starts with the first round, and 32 young men’s lives will change forever. It’s a tremendous opportunity to set your team up for long-term success. Now is the most important time for every general manager in the league. Including Darren Mougey. After the team went 3-14 last season, the Jets will have the second overall pick. However, that’s not the only pick they own. At the trade deadline, New York acquired the Indianapolis Colts first round pick(16 overall) after sending star cornerback Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner in exchange. With the chance to add two impact players, they must vet & calculate their information on who should be picked second overall.
As of now, it was a two-man race between two defensive players. One, the reigning NCAA sack leader, David Bailey of Texas Tech. The other, the 2024 National Champion and versatile linebacker/ edge rusher, Arvell Reese from Ohio State. Nearly the consensus has either man chosen with the second pick. Well, this latest report could indicate the team has come to a decision.
Sources: Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey was supposed to have a 30 visit with the #Jets.
The team decided to cancel that visit. pic.twitter.com/JN9Dfp1Dym
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) April 15, 2026
New York Jets cancel prospect visit with David Bailey
In a new report from SNY’s Connor Hughes, the team made a major decision that could indicate who will be picked. Hughes shared on Wednesday that the team canceled a top-30 visit with Bailey. To elaborate, a top-30 visit is a private meeting in which NFL teams allow up to 30 prospects to come to the facility. During these meetings, teams conduct medical reviews, interviews, and film studies. These meetings provide front offices & coaching staff to gain more first-hand knowledge on a prospect.
After three years at Stanford, the Irvine, California native transferred to Texas Tech in 2025. It was a decision that proved to be fruitful for Bailey. During his senior year, Bailey co-led the NCAA in sacks with 14.5 sacks, along with Western Michigan edge rusher Nadame Tucker. Bailey’s production helped the Red Raiders reach the College Football Playoff before losing to Oregon in the Orange Bowl. After a strong NFL Combine, Bailey had sealed his fate as a future top-five draft pick.
Will the Jets pick Arvell Reese with the Second Overall Pick?
With just over a week until the NFL Draft, what is the significance of canceling Bailey’s visit? Well, it could be a strong indicator that New York will pick Arvell Reese after all. With Bailey’s visit canceled, Mougey could indicate the team is comfortable with bringing in the Ohio State linebacker to join head coach Aaron Glenn’s roster. After all, the Jets already hosted Reese for a top-30 visit. Despite Bailey’s experience as a full-time edge rusher, Reese has a lot of fans among scouts. After splitting time between weakside linebacker & edge rusher, Reese was a versatile weapon in the Buckeyes defense. Due to Reese’s impactful first step and surgical-like timing, Reese manages to reach the backfield consistently.
Ohio State LB Arvell Reese has had Top 30 visits with the #Jets, #AZCardinals, #Titans, #Giants, #Chiefs, and #Cowboys, per me and @MikeGarafolo. @MoveTheSticks has Reese as the No. 2 pick by NYJ in his latest mock draft. pic.twitter.com/x62biYcw30
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 3, 2026
Although Reese lacks polish to be a full-time edge rusher early, New York has prepared for his development. Earlier in the offseason, New York signed edge rushers Joseph Ossai & Kingsley Enagbare to provide depth next to Will McDonald IV. Either Reese or Bailey would be an impactful addition to New York’s defense. However, as great a pass rusher as Bailey is, he has struggled against the run. Unlike Bailey, Reese has been more effective in diagnosing running lanes to attack oncoming running backs. If Reese is picked, New York can take their time developing him under the tutelage of famous defensive line coach Karl Dunbar. After all, who better to aid Reese’s development than someone who watched Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker TJ Watt become a Defensive Player of the Year?
Main Photo: [Nathan Giese/Avalanche Journal] – Imagn Images
