Jets insider says don't rule out non-Arvell Reese Buckeye with first-round pick

The New York Jets may only hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the whole thing essentially starts with them.

Fernando Mendoza is all but locked in as the No. 1 overall pick, meaning the draft really begins with New York. They'll have the entire board available to them and the ability to select any player they want.

In just about every mock draft you've seen since the end of the season, it feels like the Jets have been consistently predicted to grab a pass rusher. Ohio State's Arvell Reese, Texas Tech's David Bailey, and Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. have all been linked to the No. 2 pick.

But what if the Jets opt to go in a different direction? Is there a wide receiver, safety, or linebacker they'll consider with that draft pick?

Rich Cimini says don't rule out LB Sonny Styles as a potential Jets draft pick

On the most recent episode of the Jets Collective podcast, ESPN's Rich Cimini revealed that the No. 2 overall pick is not set in stone and that New York has real interest in Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.

"The number two is not a clear-cut pick. Reese, who...if you put a gun to my head right now, I'd say they'd probably pick Reese at No. 2. I think Bailey's a factor. And something I heard in Phoenix, let's not rule out Sonny Styles, by the way. The Jets got a good, long look at him last week in Columbus at his Pro Day."

Rich Cimini

Cimini also added that he doesn't believe they would pick him at No. 2, but if the Jets were able to trade back and stay within the top 10, Styles could be a real option.

New York doesn't necessarily have a burning need for an off-ball linebacker right now. They have Jamien Sherwood under contract through 2027 and signed Demario Davis to a two-year deal this offseason.

But Sherwood was bad last year, and Davis is 37. Styles could be the future of the position for the Jets and be a staple of the defense for years to come.

Styles' NFL Scouting Combine workout was the stuff of legend, recording a blazing 4.46-second 40-yard dash, and had the highest vertical for an off-ball linebacker since 2003 with a 43.5-inch jump.

His elite athleticism will surely translate to the NFL and make him a rangy linebacker with the ability to impact the game at multiple levels. If he ends up with the Jets, he would surely improve the defense.