As the NFL Scouting Combine approaches and April’s draft draws closer, attention around the New York Jets’ No. 2 pick continues to intensify.

Among the names frequently tied to Gang Green, two prospects have emerged at the center of the conversation: Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. and Ohio State defensive end/linebacker Arvell Reese.

Both are widely regarded as top prospects in this year’s draft, and there is a very high chance that one of the two will be selected by New York at No. 2.

In recent weeks, the debate over which defender would best fit the Jets has grown heated in Jetland.

There is a clear difference between the two, though.

Bain enters the draft with a far more established resume, whereas Reese offers the type of traits and upside that teams covet at the top of the draft, even if his on-field production has not yet reached its highest level.

It’s this contrast that the Jets must weigh over the next two-plus months.

Proven Production: Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

As a true freshman at Miami in 2023, Bain Jr. made his presence felt right away. He collected 44 combo tackles (23 solo) and 7.5 sacks in his freshman campaign, good enough to earn ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

After only playing in nine games during the 2024 season due to injury, Bain cemented himself as a top prospect in this year’s draft class with a dominant junior season.

The edge rusher posted a highly impressive 80 pressures, ranking second among FBS defenders, alongside 12 sacks and an elite 92.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (second among Power Four edge rushers), contributing to a consensus All-American season.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, Bain offers great size and plays with sound leverage and power. The Miami product has already shown he can win consistently against high-level competition and has produced consistently over multiple seasons.

Given his proven track record of production, evaluators have a clearer view of his fit at the next level.

Meanwhile, with Reese, there is more guesswork.

Elite Traits: Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Reese represents the opposite end of the spectrum.

The Ohio State product possesses elite tools, including astonishing athleticism, great instincts in the run game, and top-tier explosiveness, which is a major reason he has drawn stylistic comparisons to Micah Parsons.

His college production was not nearly as eye-catching as Bain’s, though.

Reese did not play any defensive snaps as a freshman. In his sophomore season, Reese recorded just 43 total tackles (18 solo) and 0.5 sacks across 16 games.

The breakout came in Reese’s junior season, as he posted 6.5 sacks, 69 total tackles, and a 76.4 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus while earning consensus All-American honors.

During his time at Ohio State, Reese was a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher; however, he struggled in coverage as a linebacker last season, making a full conversion to edge rusher inevitable.

Reese showed tremendous upside as a pass rusher, which is what has him in the conversation to be taken No. 2 overall. On just 119 pass-rush snaps this past season, he was in on eight sacks and had 27 total pressures (22.7% pressure rate).

The potential is obvious, but the sample size is small. Teams must project whether they believe Reese can thrive at the same level as a full-time edge rusher in the NFL. Meanwhile, with Bain, teams can already see multiple full seasons of dominant edge production.

Which route will the Jets take?

Ultimately, the choice will come down to what the Jets prioritize.

Does the team covet Bain’s track record, or do they lean on Reese’s elite traits, believing the ceiling is higher?

With the No. 2 overall pick, that decision carries franchise-altering implications.