The 2026 NFL Draft picture is becoming clearer as the Scouting Combine begins and teams finalize their early strategies. Trade moves, athletic testing, and updated mock drafts are already shaping the conversation around the top prospects.
Several defensive stars are rising quickly, the New York Jets’ plans with the No. 2 pick are coming into focus, and a few players have seen their draft stock change based on measurements and performances.
Jets’ No. 2 Pick: Defense Clearly the Priority
The New York Jets have made one thing clear — they are building their defense.
After trading former first-round edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, the team has opened the door for a new defensive playmaker. The move strongly suggests the Jets are targeting a versatile front-seven defender with their No. 2 overall selection.
Top Target: Arvell Reese
Arvell Reese is emerging as the favorite for the pick.
Why Reese fits the Jets:
- Hybrid linebacker/edge with elite versatility
- Expected to perform both linebacker and pass-rush drills at the Combine
- Strong play strength and ability to convert speed into power
- Ideal for creative defensive schemes
At 6’4”, 241 pounds, Reese may not have traditional edge size, but his athleticism and flexibility make him a modern defensive weapon similar to hybrid defenders who impact multiple areas.
Backup Option: David Bailey
If the Jets look elsewhere, Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey is the clear alternative. His elite athletic profile and explosive edge ability have made him one of the fastest-rising defensive prospects.
Combine Standouts: David Bailey Boosts Top-5 Chances
Few players improved their stock more than David Bailey.
David Bailey Combine Numbers
| Measurement/Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Height/Weight | 6’3”, 250 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.51 seconds |
| 10-yard split | 1.62 seconds |
| Vertical jump | 35 inches |
| Broad jump | 10’9” |
| Arm length | 33 6/8 inches |
His combination of speed, explosion, and size now puts him firmly in the top-five conversation and makes him one of the most complete edge prospects in the class.
Rueben Bain Jr.: Talent vs Measurements Debate
Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. remains one of the most discussed prospects.
Key measurements:
- Height: 6’2”
- Weight: 263 lbs
- Arm length: 30 7/8 inches
His arm length ranks among the shortest for edge players at the Combine since 1999. Because of this, some teams view him as:
- A small interior defensive lineman
- A hybrid pass rusher rather than a pure edge
Despite the concerns, Bain’s power, burst, and dominant 2025 season keep him in the late Round 1 to Day 2 range.
Defensive Talent Dominates Early Mock Drafts
The 2026 class is widely seen as defense-heavy, especially at edge and linebacker.
Key Early Mock Trends
| Pick | Player | Position | Team Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | New York Jets |
| 4 | Arvell Reese | Edge/LB | Tennessee Titans |
| 7 | David Bailey | Edge | Washington Commanders |
Teams across the league are prioritizing pass rushers and defensive playmakers, showing how valuable pressure and versatility have become in today’s NFL.
Other Rising Names to Watch
Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
- Considered the top running back in the class
- True four-down player
- Big-play ability as both runner and receiver
- Projected top-10 pick
Harold Perkins Jr. (LB, LSU)
- Career: 218 tackles, 17 sacks, 5 interceptions
- Elite athletic traits and blitz ability
- Injury history and positional uncertainty may push him to Day 3
- Best fit as a hybrid EDGE/LB role player
Baylor Prospects: Mid-Round Value Picks
Three Baylor players are projected to be selected:
| Round | Player | Position | Team Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 3 | Michael Trigg | TE | Miami Dolphins |
| Round 5 | Josh Cameron | WR | Baltimore Ravens |
| Round 6 | Sawyer Robertson | QB | Arizona Cardinals |
These players may not headline the draft, but they offer strong depth and developmental potential.
Key Storylines Heading Into the Draft
1. Hybrid Defenders Are in Demand: Players like Reese and Perkins highlight the shift toward versatile defenders who can rush, cover, and move across formations.
2. Combine Testing Matters More Than Ever: Bailey’s rise shows how elite athletic numbers can quickly change draft positioning.
3. Measurements Still Influence Stock: Bain’s arm length concerns prove that physical traits remain a major factor in evaluation.
4. Defense Could Dominate Round 1: Early projections suggest multiple edge rushers and linebackers could go in the top 10.
Read more: 2026 NFL Mock Draft Full First Round
With pro days approaching and team visits coming soon, the draft board will continue to change. Players who skipped Combine drills, like Rueben Bain, will get another chance to impress scouts, while teams will finalize their needs after free agency.
For now, the early trend is clear: elite defensive talent — especially pass rushers — will shape the top of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a defense-driven class, with hybrid edge defenders leading the conversation. Teams like the Jets are already signaling their direction, and explosive athletes such as David Bailey are rising fast. As evaluations continue, versatility, speed, and positional value will determine who becomes the next game-changing star at the NFL level.
FAQs
Q1. Who is the top defensive prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Arvell Reese and David Bailey are currently viewed as the top defensive playmakers.
Q2. Why is the Jets’ No. 2 pick important?
Their recent trade suggests they are targeting a defensive star, likely a hybrid edge or linebacker.
Q3. Which player helped his stock the most at the Combine?
David Bailey’s elite testing numbers have pushed him toward top-five consideration.
Q4. Is Rueben Bain still a first-round pick?
Yes, but arm-length concerns could move him toward the late first round or early Day 2.
Q5. Who is the top offensive player in the class?
Running back Jeremiyah Love is considered a potential top-10 talent due to his all-around ability.
