The New York Jets are being predicted to make a historic decision with their first-round NFL Draft pick.
The New York Jets are widely expected to select a pass rusher with the No. 2 overall pick of the NFL Draft, with David Bailey, Arvell Reese and Rueben Bain all being connected to the Jets.
But could New York decide to go in a different direction entirely?
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. thinks so and is projecting the Jets to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with their top draft choice, which would make Downs the first safety to fly off the board that quickly in 35 years.
"This would be the highest draft slot for a safety since Eric Turner went No. 2 in 1991. Downs is worthy, though," Kiper wrote. "He reads the offense so well, and then he has quickness, physicality and ball skills to make plays against both the run and the pass."
Downs is regarded by some to be the best overall talent in this year's NFL Draft class, drawing comparisons to Baltimore Ravens star Kyle Hamilton.
But would going with a safety really be the best bet for the Jets at No. 2?
New York needs help in its secondary. That much is true. However, it seems more important for the Jets to attend to their front seven first.
Caleb Downs. Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images.Gang Green amassed just 26 sacks in 2025, and let's remember that New York traded away defensive tackle Quinnen Williams back at the deadline.
The Jets desperately need pass-rushing assistance, which is why Bailey or Bain should probably comprise the two top choices for New York on Day 1.
Now, it can be argued that the Jets can just circle back around to an edge rusher later on in the first round, as New York owns a pair of first-round picks (the other being at No. 16). Still, it's probably wiser for the Jets to take an elite pass rusher early.
Downs began his collegiate career at Alabama in 2023 and spent one season with the Crimson Tide before transferring to Ohio State in 2024. He helped lead the Buckeyes to a national title during his debut campaign and then registered 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack and a couple of interceptions this past season.
New York has needs up and down the roster, but rolling with a safety at No. 2 seems like a mistake given positional value.
Jets Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Jets. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.