A New York Jets insider this week revealed the unexpected reason why the team prefers to use the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft on David Bailey instead of Arvel Reese.
After another disappointing season in 2025, the Jets are in good position heading into next week's draft. While they don't have the No. 1 overall pick at the event, they might as well as the Las Vegas Raiders are set to take quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the top pick in Round 1. This allows the Jets to select the most talent-rich player available this year.
There is a lot of speculation about who that player will be. However, most mock drafts and expert opinions point to the Jets selecting Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey or his Ohio State counterpart Arvel Reese. The reason a lot of people are divided on them is the perception that Bayley is better right now, with Reese having a much better fit.
Well, it seems like the Jets' decision makers aren't thinking long term and want to get better immediately after a three-win season.
Do the New York Jets want David Bailey because he can make an impact quickly?
During a new appearance on the gang is all here podcast, Jets insider Brian Costello claimed that many around the NFL are convinced Bailey will be the choice for two reasons. First of all, Glenn is feeling the pressure of losing his job and needs a player who can be very good now, not later. The second reason is that Bailey is a "plug-and-play" talent. On the other hand, it is unclear where Reese will play in the NFL as an EDGE or outside linebacker.
Costello believes it would be a poor decision by Glenn and management to draft a player based on what they can do for them now rather than in the long term. However, this is the opinion of sources around the NFL as to how the Jets' brain trust will view this incident.
Jets fans will find out which way the team goes during the first day of the 2026 NFL Draft next week.
