ESPN insider Peter Schrager reveals a shocking draft night prediction for Ohio State's star edge rusher, potentially changing his landing spot entirely.
Pretty much the only pick set in stone for the 2026 NFL Draft is Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza going to the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1.
From there, things should get interesting when the New York Jets are on the clock at No. 2.
Ohio State edge Arvell Reese gained a lot of buzz around the time of the NFL scouting combine in February. Many mock drafts had the Jets taking him with the second overall pick.
However, pass-rushers David Bailey from Texas Tech and Miami's Reuben Bain Jr. are in the same class as Reese before the draft.
Peter Schrager of ESPN recently released a mock draft based off intel he's received from people inside the league during the league's annual meeting in Phoenix last week.
Schrager appeared to pick a surprise for Reese, with the Arizona Cardinals taking the linebacker with the No. 3 pick. At No. 2, Schrager had the Jets taking Bailey.
"As part of the loaded NFC West, Arizona has to face three of the NFL's best teams twice every season, and the defense was frankly not very good last year, allowing 28.7 points per game (29th)," Schrager wrote.
"Reese fills a need in Arizona as a potentially elite pass rusher, and I've heard rave reviews on what he can bring off the field from coaches. With the changing of eras in Arizona, the Cards should be seeking out new cornerstone pieces like Reese this month."
Schrager also picked Notre Dame's running back Jeremiyah Love as a "wild card" for the Cardinals at No. 3
Schrager thinks Reese could go to the Jets at No. 2, but thinks Bailey will fit better with New York's system. He's good at pass-rushing and run defense, something that is a plus for any team looking for a three-down defensive end.
Reese is more of a traditional pass-rusher, and his skillset would be appreciated in Arizona. Still, he's thought of more highly than Bain, who Schrager predicts the New Orleans Saints will take with the No. 8 pick.
It appears the No. 2 pick will be a toss-up between Reese and Bailey.