Are Jets planning to make David Bailey, not Arvell Reese, the No. 2 pick of the 2026 NFL Draft?

One thing regarding the 2026 NFL Draft that just about everybody agrees on is that the Las Vegas Raiders will make quarterback Fernando Mendoza the first pick of the player-selection process on the night of April 23. 

Some previously suggested that the New York Jets had basically already decided to grab Ohio State pass-rusher Arvell Reese with the draft's second pick. However, it appears there's now plenty of uncertainty regarding the Jets' plans heading into the second weekend of April. 

Why some are linking David Bailey with Jets

On Friday, NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom US shared that the Jets taking Reese at No. 2 is no longer considered a "lock" among league executives and agents. Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith later noted that Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey had emerged as the betting favorite to be drafted No. 2 overall.

"It sounds like Bailey has more fans in the building," ESPN's Matt Miller wrote about the Jets for an article published on Friday. "The Jets understand that an impact player is needed right now for coach Aaron Glenn's defense. Bailey's 14.5 sacks in 2025 and speed around the edge make for an ideal fit for a team moving to more of a 3-4 defense."

Not so fast on predicting the Jets' draft plans? 

For that same ESPN piece, analyst Jordan Reid wrote that he still believes the Jets will "go with Reese and his upside at No. 2." However, Reid added that the draft's second selection "truly feels 50-50" as of April 10. 

Interestingly, La Canfora revealed that the Jets "are also incredibly high on Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles." On Friday's edition of the ESPN "Get Up" program, analyst Kevin Clark said that he believes Styles will eventually be recognized as the best player in the 2026 draft class.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler disagrees with such assessments, as he has Reese rated as the draft's top prospect. Perhaps the only thing that is certain about the Jets is that they apparently will not select Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 2 even though he is viewed by many as the draft's top offensive player.