FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt has identified Arvell Reese, the former Ohio State Buckeyes outside linebacker and edge rusher, as a prime candidate for the New York Jets with the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Klatt also mentioned Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson but suggested Reese could offer a transformative impact for the Jets, who are led by defensive-minded second-year head coach Aaron Glenn. The comparison to Micah Parsons emphasizes Reese’s potential to change the team’s defensive fortunes.
Why Reese Stands Out Among 2026 Prospects
Klatt described Reese as
quite possibly the best player in the draft,
highlighting his versatility and explosiveness on the field. While quarterbacks often dominate early draft discussions, Klatt observed that the Jets, despite needing a quarterback, might benefit more from adding a dynamic defender to rebuild their roster after trading away key performers. He said,
The draft suddenly gets interesting at No. 2. The Jets have a big quarterback need, and they could use Ty Simpson. But this roster needs a lot of help after trading away all its stars,
underscoring the Jets’ broader team needs.
Klatt praised Reese’s ability to disrupt offenses through speed and flexibility, stating,
So, the Jets take quite possibly the best player in the draft. Reese is a versatile defender. I think he’s best when he’s on the ball — he’s explosive, flexible, and can bend. All of those things are going to pay off in a big way for Reese at the next level. He reminds me so much of Micah Parsons, who flashed some of his pass-rushing ability in college before majoring as a pass rusher in the NFL. Reese can blitz up the middle and can tackle, too.
This comparison to Parsons reinforces Stephens’s upside as both a pass rusher and a tackling presence.
Overcoming Late-Season Challenges
Despite Reese’s strong reputation, his production tapered in the latter part of the season, including a less impactful showing in Ohio State’s Big Ten Championship Game defeat to Indiana. His statistics did not dominate the box scores, which might cause some hesitation among scouts focusing on numbers. However, his value goes beyond raw stats, as his influence within Ohio State’s historically elite defense remained significant.
Reese’s leadership and consistent presence helped elevate the defense after longtime coordinator Jim Knowles departed for Penn State. Klatt emphasized Reese’s effect on the team culture:
He can come in and reshape your culture. Before Reese played big minutes, Jim Knowles was an also-ran, not known for defensive greatness. After Knowles left for the Penn State Nittany Lions, and Reese rose to prominence as a leader in the locker room, the defense got even better.
This leadership ability adds an intangible asset to Reese’s physical skills for prospective NFL teams.
Potential Fit and Future Impact with the Jets
The Jets’ defense has traditionally been a strength, even as the quarterback position remains unresolved. Reese’s athleticism and versatility in pass rushing and tackling offer a potential cornerstone for rebuilding that defense. Despite the subdued finish to his college season, Reese’s talent and adaptability could revive the Jets’ defensive identity. His arrival might mark a turning point for a franchise eager to regain competitiveness.
Whether the Jets select Reese with the No. 2 pick remains to be seen, but given their recent roster turnover and defensive needs, he fits the profile of a player who could quickly make a profound impact. The upcoming draft will reveal if New York’s front office acts boldly to add a future star on par with Micah Parsons.
