The New York Jets are selecting second overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. And unfortunately for the Jets, there isn’t a good option at quarterback with this pick.

The Las Vegas Raiders are going to select Fernando Mendoza, barring the biggest surprise in draft history, leaving the Jets with a large pool of players, most of whom aren’t viable No. 2 pick options.

However, the two players they’re most likely to take with this pick would make some franchise history. As ESPN’s Rich Cimini notes, the Jets, if they go with a defensive player No. 2 overall, will make the highest defensive player taken in franchise history.

Jets have good chance to make franchise history

“If the Jets go defense with the No. 2 overall pick, it would be the highest-drafted defensive player in franchise history,” Cimini writes.

The Jets have had four picks inside the top two selections in their franchise history, with QB Zach Wilson, RB Keyshawn Johnson, WR Blair Thomas, and WR Lam Jones being their top-two picks over the years.

Back in 2019, the Jets took defensive tackle Quinnen Williams with the third overall pick, which was the record for the highest selected defensive player in Jets history.

With under two weeks to go before the draft, the Jets look all but certain to take one of Ohio State’s Arvell Reese or Texas Tech’s David Bailey.

More: Jets ideal pick at No. 2 overall is Arvell Reese out of Ohio State

Both are edge rushers, and both have been strongly linked to the Jets in the lead-up to the draft. It would not be a surprise if either went No. 2 overall. In fact, it might be a surprise if a different player went here.

Jeremiyah Love wouldn’t make much sense with Breece Hall on the roster, and this might be too early for Carnell Tate with a deep WR draft class. Ty Simpson would be a brutal reach at this pick. Kenyon Sadiq, or an offensive lineman, is also likely off the board.

Defense seems to be the most likely pick at No. 2 overall if the Jets don’t find a trade-down opportunity. While such a move is possible, it’s incredibly unlikely.

Most likely, when the Jets make this pick Thursday night after the obvious Mendoza-to-the-Raiders pick is made, they will make some franchise history with a defensive selection.

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