NFL insider suggests Jets' No. 2 pick could involve a shocking name

When it comes to the New York Jets, anything is on the table heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.

It's an interesting year and even more intriguing class, where there aren't many so-called "generational prospects" at premium positions. There's a handful of great edges, such as Ohio State's Arvell Reese, Miami's Rueben Bain Jr., and Texas Tech's David Bailey.

But as the NFL Scouting Combine has progressed, it seems the real value is at positions that aren't considered valuable, such as linebacker, safety, and a singular running back in Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love.

With all the holes on New York's roster, it seems like the door is genuinely wide open for how they attack the first round with the No. 2 and No. 16 picks, and one NFL insider dropped a name in the same breath as the Jets that may raise some eyebrows.

Ian Rapoport names Miami's Akheem Mesidor as Jets option at No. 2 overall

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tabbed a Miami edge rusher not named Bain as a possible Jets target at No. 2 overall, Akheem Mesidor, in what would be a head-scratching selection.

Rapoport was breaking down the Jermaine Johnson trade and highlighted the Jets' need for another edge rusher. He named some of the usual suspects, while also name-dropping Mesidor.

"It certainly opens the door, potentially, for the Jets to take an edge early, early in the draft. David Bailey, could be Mesidor, could be Bain. Plenty of options for the Jets, but they lose a starter and now have a need."

Ian Rapoport

Both Bailey and Bain have been prospects penciled to the Jets in recent mock drafts, but it's safe to say Mesidor is a new one. It's interesting to note that Rapoport didn't even mention Reese, typically the other name grouped in with the other top edge rushers.

Mesidor is certainly a talented player. He and Bain formed one of college football's most lethal pass-rushing duos in 2025, helping lead the Hurricanes all the way to the national championship game. But the No. 2 overall pick?

ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has Mesidor ranked as his 24th-highest rated prospect. Not that Kiper's big board is the end-all, be-all when it comes to collegiate prospects, but it puts into perspective how big a reach he would be with the No. 2 overall pick.

The Jets are incredibly likely to target an edge early in the 2026 NFL Draft, but if that pick ends up being Mesidor, there would be some serious questions asked about Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey's evaluation process.