Mendoza to Raiders is Obvious, But Here's Another Likely Guaranteed Draft Move

The 2026 NFL draft is almost here, and the excitement is growing ahead of the event, which takes place from April 23 to 25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Everybody and their second cousin knows that the No. 1 overall pick will be Fernando Mendoza going to the Las Vegas Raiders. Can you imagine if this didn’t happen? Not really. But, there’s actually another selection that’s seemingly set in stone at this point.

NFL.com’s Chad Reuter recently laid out his draft day predictions.

“Since this mock is released nearly a full week before the draft begins, it won’t include last-minute information reported about prospects and teams’ potential interest in them,” he says. “I still predict four first-round trades, however, while also providing a wide-angle view about where teams can find value at positions of need throughout the event.”

One move he makes is pretty much universally considered an “already done” move, just like Mendoza, and that’s the New York Jets going for Ohio State edge-rusher Arvell Reese.

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“The Jets take potential over college production, just like the Jaguars did when they selected Travon Walker first overall instead of Aidan Hutchinson four years ago — and Walker developed into a player worth signing to a $110 million extension earlier this month,” he says in the feature.

So, is this the right move for the Jets?

Time will tell if it’s the right thing to do, but right now, it’s the only thing to do. Nobody can predict the future, but Reese just makes too much sense for the Jets and their current roster need. Not only is he overall the No. 2 selection in this draft but the Jets have the need for a strong edge, so this is a match made in football heaven.

If the Jets don’t pick Reese, at this point, it will almost be as surprising as if Mendoza was passed up by the Raiders. Almost.

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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 7:02 PM.