New York Jets Make Smart Draft Night Decision with David Bailey Pick

The New York Jets had a major decision to make on their hands entering the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. After trading away Jermaine Johnson in February, the Jets needed some more star power off the edge. In front of them were two major options: Texas Tech's David Bailey or Ohio State's Arvell Reese. The Jets opted for Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick, and Bleacher Report seems to think the decision was the right one. B/R's Moe Moton ranked the NFL offseason's 25 best moves so far, and he has New York taking Bailey over Reese as the 13th-best. Moton made the case that the Jets needed a pure pass rusher with the No. 2 overall pick, and that's certainly what Bailey was billed as coming out of Texas Tech. He was college football's sack leader in 2025, recording 14.5 for the Red Raiders. Hopefully, he can help contribute to a Jets defense that desperately needs some help off the edge. New York finished second-to-last in the NFL last season, with a team total of 26 sacks. The only concern about the pick could be the perceived higher ceiling of Reese. Bailey is expected to be the better player right away, but the Ohio State product's potential feels almost unlimited. With both Bailey and Reese set to play out their respective careers in New York for both the Jets and Giants, it will be hard not to compare them as they continue to develop.