Jets might’ve blown it with David Bailey over Arvell Reese for 2 reasons originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The New York Jets selected David Bailey with the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It wasn’t a surprise, as he and Arvell Reese were the two possible options with this pick.
But, there was a lot of debate between the two, and instead of the standout Ohio State linebacker, the Jets drafted the safer pick in the Texas Tech edge.
However, ESPN’s Rich Cimini pointed out two big issues that could have the end result of the Jets blowing this pick between Bailey and Reese.
2 reasons why Jets might’ve blown David Bailey pick
“Did they blow it by passing on Arvell Reese?” Cimini writes. “Most talent evaluators believe Reese has a higher ceiling than Bailey. Another question will be about Bailey’s liability against the run.”
There are two big reasons why this pick from the Jets could turn into a disaster. The first is an obvious one: Reese’s ceiling is a lot higher than Bailey’s.
The Jets selected Bailey with the hope of landing a safer pass rusher prospect, as Bailey has experience as an edge rusher at Texas Tech and had 14.5 sacks last year. Reese is a lot more raw at the edge rusher spot, though his upside is very high.
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Instead of taking the chance on Reese, the Jets played it safe with Bailey. If Reese can reach his potential, this pick of Bailey at No. 2 might turn into one of the Jets’ regrets.
The other issue is Bailey’s run defense. It’s an issue he himself has admitted to having, and while the Jets need to add pass rush help, they can’t ignore the run defense.
“The Jets will leave themselves vulnerable against the run if they roll with Bailey (251 pounds) and Will McDonald IV (245) as their two edge rushers,” Cimini writes.
Aaron Glenn’s defense now has their top two edge rushers as much more pass-rusher-oriented players. While Bailey should help raise their bleak sack total, the run defense, and the ceiling of Reese might make this a pick the Jets look back on as one they blew.