Recent shifts at DraftKings Sportsbook now list Reese as the -140 favorite to be taken second overall. This marks a significant move from his previous status as a plus-money favorite, signaling increased confidence among bettors and insiders regarding his draft stock.
Current Favorites for the No. 2 Overall Selection
| Prospect | Odds |
|---|---|
| Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State | -140 |
| David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech | +160 |
| Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami | +800 |
| Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State | +1400 |
| Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State | +1500 |
| Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama | +4000 |
The race for the second spot appears to be a two-player contest between Reese and Texas Tech’s David Bailey. Bailey enters the conversation following a highly productive season where he tallied 14.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 38 quarterback hits—the highest volume of pressures seen from an FBS defender since Derek Barnett in 2016. However, Reese offers a physical profile and a developmental ceiling that is difficult for scouts to ignore.
Drafting an off-ball linebacker in the top three is a rarity in the modern era, a feat not accomplished since LaVar Arrington in 2000. Despite his collegiate designation, many talent evaluators anticipate Reese transitioning to a full-time pass-rushing role at the professional level. He officially weighed in at 241 pounds and delivered a spectacular performance in on-field drills. Reese clocked a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, tying teammate Sonny Styles for the fastest time of the day among their position group, while demonstrating elite fluidity in agility tests. At just 20 years old, his physical maturity is still ongoing.
The Jets’ interest in Reese aligns with their recent roster volatility. New York recently moved former first-round edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II to the Tennessee Titans, receiving defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat in return. This trade exacerbated the team’s need for dynamic playmakers on the perimeter of the defense, a role Reese is suited for regardless of whether he aligns as a traditional linebacker or a dedicated edge defender.
Reese’s 2025 campaign was decorated with accolades, including Consensus All-American honors and the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year award. As a vital component of a deep Buckeyes defense, he recorded 69 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 10 tackles for loss, finishing in the top three for the team in each of those statistical categories.
Final Thoughts on the Jets’ Draft Strategy
As the draft approaches, the momentum surrounding Arvell Reese suggests the New York Jets are looking for a foundational defensive cornerstone with elite athletic traits. While David Bailey offers proven collegiate production, Reese’s combination of youth, sub-4.5 speed, and positional versatility makes him the logical favorite to go second overall. For a Jets defense undergoing a transition in the front seven, Reese represents the high-upside investment needed to bolster their pass rush for the long term.
