With the first pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Las Vegas Raiders select … well, most football fans are pretty sure what commissioner Roger Goodell will say next.
It’s been a highly anticipated moment for football fans and NFL bettors for some time now, with sportsbook odds helping folks get in on the excitement. But what about the rest of us, non-Raiders football people eager to expand draft opportunities?
On Monday, movement in the No. 2 hole occurred, which, of course, directly relates to New York Jets odds.
Ohio State defender Arvell Reese is the clear-cut favorite to be selected by the Jets in the two-hole. FanDuel Sportsbook currently lists him at -120. Previously, Reese remained the slight favorite, but this is the first time he moved into negative territory, which really stamps a clear leader in the clubhouse.
Reese, 20, is coming off an impressive NFL Scouting Combine performance this past weekend. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds and the 10-yard split in 1.58 seconds.
Reese’s top competition comes from Texas Tech’s David Bailey, who currently has +160 odds. Here’s how the top seven shake out:
Arvell Reese -120
David Bailey +160
Rueben Bain Jr +600
Caleb Downs +3000
Sonny Styles +3300
Fernando Mendoza +7500
Ty Simpson +8000
Beyond No. 7, there are 16 prospects tied at eighth with +12500 odds.
While these odds are understandable, given that all the feelers point to Aaron Glenn selecting an EDGE defender, no Jets fan should view this list as reflecting the actual football reality.
From my point of view, only three names deserve to be considered for the No. 2 pick:
Arvell Reese
Caleb Downs
Sonny Styles
That’s it. As strange as it is that all three players are Buckeyes, this is the trio that’s special enough to qualify for the attention and prestige the No. 2 pick warrants.
In any event, other than David Bailey sticking close behind (which should not be the case), Arvell Reese is the clear-cut betting favorite to be selected No. 2 overall by the New York Jets in April’s 2026 NFL draft.