NFL scout thinks there's a clear choice in Jets' David Bailey, Arvell Reese debate

It's no secret that the Las Vegas Raiders will make Indiana Hoosiers star quarterback Fernando Mendoza the first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft on the night of April 23. However, it remains unclear if the New York Jets will take Ohio State pass-rusher Arvell Reese or Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey at selection No. 2. 

For a piece published on Friday, ESPN's Matt Miller spoke with one AFC South area scout who offered the Jets some advice regarding their Bailey-versus-Reese debate. 

Why scout says Jets should make this David Bailey, Arvell Reese decision

"The Jets need a quarterback, but we'll wait until 2027 for that," the scout explained. "I'm going Reese. In the 3-4 defense the Jets are employing, Reese's first-step quickness and ability to live in space make him the better prospect. It's an added bonus that he has experience as an off-ball linebacker since he'll be asked to drop into space and make plays in coverage in that base defense."

While a report claimed that the Jets recently canceled their scheduled top-30 visit with Bailey because they "had all the information they already needed" and "felt there was no reason for a visit," some pointed out that the team should have wanted to "spend the extra time together showing him the facility" this week. Meanwhile, Dane Brugler of The Athletic is among the noteworthy analysts who have Reese listed as the top overall prospect in this year's draft class. 

Does this David Bailey, Arvell Reese narrative make sense?

Some have said that Jets head coach Aaron Glenn may push to draft Bailey over Reese with the 2026 season and Glenn's job security in mind. That said, Jets general manager Darren Mougey may have more power than he did a year ago as it pertains to personnel decisions, and he may covet Reese over Bailey.

"With 2026 being a rebuilding year for the Jets," Miller added, "the choice of Reese over [Bailey] is likely to be popular, despite Bailey being seen as a more pro-ready prospect. Reese had 6.5 sacks last season in only 97 pass-rush reps and wowed with his violent hand use and his speed to chase down quarterbacks."

As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Reese as the betting favorite at -130 odds to be the draft's second pick. Bailey was at +100 odds.