NFL Draft odds: Jets now have clear favorite to select at No. 2 overall
CBS Sports
by
Jordan Dajani
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The New York Jets are now clear favorites to select Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 2 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to updated odds from DraftKings Sportsbook. With Las Vegas Raiders expected to take Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall, the Jets’ pick has become a focal point of draft buzz. Arvell Reese is now listed as the outright favorite with -140 odds, marking a significant shift from his previous status as a slight underdog.
Reese’s dominance in college football last season earned him widespread recognition. He recorded 14.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 38 quarterback hits—stats unmatched by any FBS player since Tennessee’s Derek Barnett in 2016. His performance at the NFL Scouting Combine further solidified his status as a top prospect. Weighing in at 241 pounds, Reese showcased impressive speed with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and displayed fluidity in agility drills, highlighting his potential as a versatile player who could excel as either an off-ball linebacker or a pass rusher.
While Texas Tech’s David Bailey is considered the main competition for Reese, the Ohio State product’s combination of size, speed, and production makes him a standout choice for the Jets. New York’s recent trade with the Tennessee Titans—sending former first-round pick Jermaine Johnson II for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat—further underscores the team’s need to bolster its pass rush and defense. Reese, who earned Consensus All-American honors in 2025, would bring both immediate impact and long-term potential to the Jets’ roster.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/2/2026