Despite being hired just one offseason ago, Aaron Glenn’s time as head coach of the New York Jets already appears to be in question. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, some believe his decision-making could be influenced due to being on the hot seat.
Here’s a closer look at who New York is projected to select at No. 2 overall amid the uncertainty.
Why the New York Jets May Prioritize Immediate Impact Over Long-Term Upside
On Wednesday, April 15, PFSN’s Reese Decker published his “3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft,” outlining “key picks, value spots, and shifting strategies.” The first notable move came as early as No. 2 overall, where Decker predicted the Jets to select Texas Tech’s David Bailey over Ohio State’s Arvell Reese.
“Ironically, the New York Jets are in win-now mode,” Decker noted. “The mass turnover on the coaching staff after just one year, including both coordinators, sounds the alarm. If Aaron Glenn and the Jets don’t get off to a promising start, the only person left to go is Glenn himself.”
“Therefore, they don’t have time to waste. While Ohio State’s Arvell Reese may offer elite upside, David Bailey has produced at multiple stops in his collegiate career and provides the Jets with more immediate security.”
“Bailey is more than a token pass rusher; disruption is in his DNA. He has elite get-off, eats up space quickly, and rushes with purpose. He gives Gang Green a fastball from the jump.”
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NFL analyst Colin Cowherd also believes the Jets should take Bailey, but for a different reason, urging them to pass on Reese despite his stronger long-term fit in Glenn’s system.
“if I was the Jets ownership or general manager, I would pick David Bailey because I don’t think Aaron Glenn knows what he’s doing and I think he’s going to be gone either mid-season or next season.”
According to PFSN’s NFL Draft HQ, Reese earned a 91.65 prospect grade, ranking first among both edge rushers and linebackers. Meanwhile, Bailey posted an 88.76 grade, placing second among edge rushers in this year’s class.BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
As it stands, 24% of Jets fans and PFSN mock drafters believe Reese should be the pick at No. 2, while 10.4% favor Bailey. Either way, both prospects would play a major role in turning around a Jets defense that ranked 31st in 2025, according to PFSN’s NFL Defense Impact metrics.
The NFL Draft is exactly one week away, and the Jets have a prime opportunity to jump-start their rebuild or set themselves back, depending on how the pick pans out. It remains to be seen what happens with Glenn, but capitalizing on this choice could buy him some extra time in New York.
