The New York Jets knew Fernando Mendoza was going No. 1 overall, leaving them with a difficult decision of David Bailey vs. Arvell Reese.
They settled on Bailey over Reese, going for the more traditional edge rusher instead of the hybrid linebacker. There was plenty of debate, but the Jets might’ve come out on top, according to a few college coaches.
According to Adam Rittenberg of ESPN, multiple college coaches supported the Jets’ decision to go with Bailey over Reese, calling out how Bailey is going to be better right away.
Jets get support for David Bailey pick from college coaches
“I spent a good chunk of spring visiting or talking with Big 12 coaches, and they all called Bailey one of the best pure pass rushers they’ve seen,” Rittenberg writes. “Big Ten coaches were also complimentary of Reese, who had a breakout season in 2025, but his impact was viewed as less consistent than that of Bailey…”
The Jets went Bailey over Reese, taking the 22-year-old edge rusher who’s a much more traditional and “safe” pick than Reese, whose upside is high but has a bit more uncertainty.
The Texas Tech edge rusher had 14.5 sacks last year, and, as Rittenberg shared, was called one of the best pure pass rushers some college coaches had ever seen.
Bailey’s consistency was a big selling point for the Jets with this No. 2 pick, as getting someone at a premium position like edge rusher who has some elite pass rusher traits is the exact kind of move worth making.
While Reese might be the more intriguing prospect, the Jets’ defense needs to be better right away, and Bailey will help them do just that.
With these coaches, according to Rittenberg, having high praise for Bailey, the Jets’ pick of the Texas Tech edge over the Ohio State standout seems to be one favored by these Big Ten and Big 12 college coaches.
