It may not be a two-man race for the Jets at No. 2 overall. Although New York has long been tied to bringing in an edge rusher with that choice, one of this class’ impact talents at a non-premium position may be in play still.
The Jets are viewed as “incredibly high” on Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, SportsBoom.com’s Jason La Canfora notes. Styles’ transition from safety to linebacker and his eye-catching Combine performance rocketed him up draft boards. Even though off-ball linebacker is not traditionally in play for teams this high, the 6-foot-5 defender may be an exception.
Styles joins Jeremiyah Love and ex-Buckeyes teammate Caleb Downs as high-floor prospects in this class who play positions devalued — to a degree, at least — on the marketplace. Styles and Love are firmly in the mix to be top-five picks, with Downs being closely connected to the Giants at No. 5 as well. No pure linebacker has gone in the top five since the Buccaneers chose Devin White fifth overall in 2019; to find an off-ball ‘backer who went second overall, going back much farther is required.
Technically, the Broncos placed Von Miller as a 4-3 outside ‘backer to start his career — but the future Hall of Famer was/is a pass rusher. The 2000 draft featured Washington selecting LaVar Arrington second overall. Though Arrington became a Pro Bowler and was technically a 4-3 OLB as well, he showcased pass-rushing chops (17 sacks from 2002-03). If the Jets are to seriously consider Styles at 2, he would presumably need to be used regularly as a rusher.
Drawing Fred Warner comparisons, Styles transitioned from safety to linebacker in 2024 and did post six sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss that season. He finished with one sack and 6.5 TFLs in 2025 but earned rave reviews as a pure non-rush ‘backer. Styles going ahead of teammate Arvell Reese — his linebacker teammate in Columbus who flashed brightly as a part-time pass rusher — or Texas Tech’s David Bailey would surprise, considering the Jets’ frequent connections to taking an EDGE here. But Styles’ combination of athleticism and production may have him in contention for a contract north of Travis Hunter‘s ($46.65MM) at No. 2 overall soon.
That said, Styles still looks like an underdog to be chosen this early. A Reese-or-Bailey decision that reminds of Jacksonville’s Travon Walker–Aidan Hutchinson debate from 2022 remains the more relevant topic here, as ESPN’s Field Yates notes an “overwhelming majority” of evaluators view the answer to this question as the one that will decide who goes second overall.
Furthering this debate, Yates ESPN colleague Matt Miller notes Bailey is believed to have more fans in the Jets’ building while fellow ESPN draft expert Jordan Reid predicts Reese — the Walker in this scenario — will be the pick. While this debate is believed to be ongoing, a previous report pointed to Reese being the Jets’ preference.
A Reese choice would be a bet on upside, having logged fewer than 100 pass-rushing snaps last season. Bailey led Division I-FBS with 14.5 sacks last season and combined for 12 while at Stanford from 2023-24. Hutchinson has proven to be the more impactful player, and that probably has come up in Jets meetings as the team with the first non-Fernando Mendoza pick deliberates.
Carnell Tate is not viewed as a frontrunner in this discussion, though Miller adds the Jets “really like” the former Buckeyes wide receiver. The lack of a long-term quarterback plan may be impacting the organization with regards to Tate at No. 2. Tate is viewed as a potential top-five pick and appears a lock to be chosen in the top 10, but the Jets have long been tied to a pass rusher to pair with Will McDonald. Styles would be a slight upset given his position, though it would be interesting to see the Jets make that move over Bailey or Reese. The Cardinals and Titans, who both could use EDGE help, will see their fortunes impacted by the Jets’ call here.
I don’t like taking a true off ball linebacker at two, but if I were going to make an exception, I’d get it being Styles. Off-ball linebackers in the first round have a rocky history in recent years, but he sure checks every box. I would still go with Reese as more of an edge player or even Bain, but I get the temptation.
As I’ve said in other threads, I love Styles; he’ll be a top 3-4 player on my board come draft day, but I just don’t know if off-ball LB at #2 is the best use of assets. I like Reese and Bailey, but they’ll be behind Styles for me, so this is very conflicting.
The Jets always seem to get high picks in years where the top of the draft is muddy. Too bad we couldn’t get a top 3 in 2024 to land one of Caleb, Daniels, or Maye, but that’s a different topic.
Imo the only true plug and play high level starter in the top of the draft is Downs.
Styles could be amazing but it’s a huge risk for a guy so new to the position. A ton is asked of linebackers that isn’t asked of edges of even safeties.
The question with Reese is is he really that good at his position of linebacker versus edge or is he a guy who will struggle in coverage or with angles and reading plays at the NFL level and have to transition to edge?
I don’t see any of these pass rushers as being anywhere near the sure thing Hutchinson seemed like.
If you take him at #2, he makes plays, is on your roster for years, and is a difference maker, then why not? I’ll throw out Roquan Smith. Drafted at #8 and a difference maker on D. Smith doesn’t get sacks but he was all over the field making tackles and disrupting plays. Smith turned a 6 yard gain into a 3 yard gain. When CHI traded him, there was a clear drop in team defense. Is that worth a #2?
Watch Bain go on to have the best career of all of them. His name is no longer in the conversation for the Jets and I hope whomever they pick can rise to the occasion but I’ve been burned for too long.