The general perception about the New York Jets’ current situation is clear.

The organization needs a complete overhaul of blue-chip talent. That, of course, happens after a three-win season that causes a complete revamp in the coaching staff.

The easiest way for Gang Green to accomplish that goal is through the NFL draft. New York holds the second and 16th overall picks, two of which constitute four selections in the first 50.

There is a lot of room for the Jets to improve their roster in April. But perception is not always reality, especially when it comes to the Jets’ biggest needs.

While certain elite prospects showed out during the NFL Scouting Combine, one superstar turned heads more than any other in Indianapolis.

The newest wild card

Following the trade of Jermaine Johnson on Thursday, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that the Jets would be in desperate need of selecting an edge rusher with the second pick of the draft.

The notion was further emphasized when both Texas Tech All-American David Bailey and Ohio State phenom Arvell Reese showed out at the combine. Bailey recorded a 4.50 flat in the forty time while showing his athleticism in several drills.

Reese, meanwhile, posted the fastest time for a front-seven player Thursday with a 4.46 official time in the forty. His drills highlighted the kind of bend he would need to be a full-time edge rusher.

Both performances from Reese and Bailey suggest the Jets are locked into either player when they make their pick in April.

There’s just one problem…

They weren’t the best players on the field Thursday. That distinction belonged to Sonny Styles. The converted linebacker from safety posted the same forty time as Reese and posted the highest vertical and long jump the combine has seen since 2003.

Even more important, though, is that Styles fits the kind of player the Jets desperately need.

While edge rusher may be among the top of requirements for the Jets to fix this offseason, linebacker and safety are two additional ones as well. Styles, having experience in both shows, might just be the kind of hybrid player Glenn and New York are coveting.

At the very least, Styles has entered the conversation as a wild card consideration.

Sonny Styles’ draft profile

There is a lot to like about Styles (duh). The athleticism, the physicality he plays with, and his coverage skills all stood out with the Buckeyes. When NFL scouts use Fred Warner as the comparison — one of the most complete linebackers in the modern era — a player has entered “elite prospect” territory.

There are still some things Styles needs to work on, though. While he is an excellent sideline-to-sideline player, he does have tight hips at times, which can cause him trouble in open space.

His tackling, while elite, could be hit at the NFL level simply because of that.

Make no mistake, though, Styles’ performance in Indianapolis shows he will be a safe bet to go in the top 10 in April’s draft. The only question left is if he’ll be seen as a top-five prospect.

If that’s the case, not only could that mean three members of Ohio State’s defense are top-five contenders, but it also means the Jets would have to discuss what it means to have an off-ball linebacker go at No. 2.

Regardless of how far-fetched it may seem.

Reporting from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Ind.