New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has made it quite clear what he wants his defense to look like next season.

“We will be a multiple defense,” Glenn said. “So, there will be elements of 4-3, there will be elements of 3-4. And I think sometimes, it’s overblown, when you look at it, you’re in nickel like 70% of the time. So, you’re in a four-down spacing for the most part.”

Glenn’s comments highlight exactly where the team should look going into the 2026 NFL draft. New York’s focus must be on versatile players who can perform in different schemes and looks.

These two prospects fit the “multiple” style unit that the Jets’ new defensive play-caller wants to employ.

Caleb Downs

It’s extremely unlikely that the Jets will be drafting a safety with the second overall pick.

This discussion isn’t about which players are “likely” to be drafted, though. It’s about which players are a good scheme fit.

Caleb Downs is that and more for the Jets.

His coverage ability, leadership, and physicality make him one of the best safety prospects in the last few years. He’s not quite Kyle Hamilton, but the versatility he plays with would make him a treat to watch in Glenn’s “multiple” defense.

Perhaps most importantly, he’s the kind of player who would help end New York’s embarrassing turnover drought. Downs snagged six interceptions and three fumble recoveries in his Buckeyes career.

Unfortunately for Glenn, a union with Downs may not be in the cards. The second pick is likely too rich for a safety, while Downs is too good to last until the Jets’ next first-round pick at No. 16 overall.

Perhaps, though, Glenn could convince general manager Darren Mougey to explore a trade-up for Downs if the gifted safety slips far enough.

Arvell Reese

Glenn has worked with many defensive players who have been labeled as “weapons” rather than given set positions.

That’s who Arvell Reese would be for the Jets.

The Ohio State defender may not have a ton of pass-rushing experience just yet, but he’s worked extensively in coverage and defends the run extremely well. When given chances, he’s rushed the passer extremely well.

Reese is the kind of performer who can be successful no matter where the Jets put him. His versatility would allow New York to always have the best 11 on the field, no matter the package or the situation.

It’s why the Jets shouldn’t think twice about making him the second overall pick.

Anyone else?

The trio of Sonny Styles, David Bailey, and Rueben Bain Jr. will all hear their names called early. There’s no denying that each has a skill set that makes them hot commodities entering the draft.

But that doesn’t make them good fits for what the Jets plan to do this year.

On the edge, New York is going to need defenders who can both rush the passer at a high clip and stop the run. Bailey’s run defense is concerning, and Bain’s arm leaves questions about his versatility at the NFL level.

Again, both can and probably will be very good players. But Bailey’s tenacity is more of a fit for a defense running the wide-nine alignment (think Robert Saleh) than for Glenn’s Jets. Bain’s work seems better suited for a team like the Dallas Cowboys and Christian Parker.

As for Styles, the Jets already have two starting-caliber linebackers in Demario Davis and Jamien Sherwood. Having a top-five pick waiting to see the field would never be a good thing.

It’s why Downs and Reese remain New York’s best defensive fits in the draft. Only one seems to be in play for the second overall pick, but if the Jets somehow landed both, it would instantly transform Glenn’s defense.