Arvell Reese — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Reese has rare traits and the versatility to play linebacker or edge. He also has the highest upside of anyone in this draft class.

Jets fans will be screaming for a quarterback at this pick, but there isn't a passer worthy of this selection with Mendoza off the board. Instead of reaching for Alabama's Ty Simpson, the Jets' best option is waiting on a quarterback until later in the draft or even 2027, when they have three first-round picks. What's the move? After ranking 31st in sacks this season (26), New York needs a primary pass rusher who will scare offenses. Even though the previous regime spent first-round picks on Jermaine Johnson (2022) and Will McDonald IV (2023), the Jets need a better outside pass rush.

Reese split time at linebacker and edge rusher. He is built in the Micah Parsons/Abdul Carter mold, with elite speed and powerful hands off the edge and high potential once he settles in as a full-time edge rusher.

An explosive, high-motor LB with a versatile skill set that includes elite closing speed vs. both the run and the pass. He is a terror coming downhill, showcasing his strength and athleticism to shoot gaps, shed blocks and collapse the pocket. Reese is a wrap-up tackling machine who consistently plays with an aggressive edge and the versatility to line up across the front seven. One of the biggest risers over the first month of the college season.

Reese doesn't have a ton of true coverage drops on his 2025 tape, but as a heat-seeking missile type of second-level defender, he can be a very impactful player. The Commanders need more off- and on-ball linebacker production, something with which Reese can help. He played 286 snaps in the box as an off-ball backer and 327 as an on-ball edge last season.

If a chance to select a quarterback presents itself later in the first round, New York should be ready. But the Jets need so much and can start here by taking the best player available. Reese has traits that are awfully reminiscent of what we've seen from Micah Parsons.

The do-it-all linebacker (69 tackles, 10 for loss, 6.5 sacks and two passes defensed in 2025) adds more blue-chip talent to a defense that significantly underachieved in Aaron Glenn's debut season as Jets head coach.

The Jets have needs all over their defense. Reese is versatile and athletic. I think he'll benefit from working off the edge full time after also playing off-ball linebacker during his Buckeyes career.