One line from scout highlights Jets’ real draft ‘plan’

The winds are changing in Florham Park.

Or at least, that’s what the latest rumors seem to indicate.

Despite being the favorite for a majority of the pre-draft process, Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese has seen his standing as the future second overall pick fall by the wayside. The New York Jets are seemingly more interested in the proven commodity that Texas Tech phenom David Bailey can provide.

But just because the shift in betting odds has been stark, it doesn’t necessarily reflect the organization’s true intentions.

One line from a national draft analyst should cool some of the latest rumors.

Jets draft plans

Several national analysts have touted recent rumors that the Jets are favoring Bailey over Reese. ESPN’s Field Yates, though, is one of the few who has highlighted a reality that silences the chatter.

“Bailey is regarded as the more refined, pro-ready rusher, while Reese is considered the higher-ceiling prospect with better fluidity and overall athleticism,” Yates said. “But … the Jets have given no indication on the pick.”

Here’s the truth: New York is not going to openly tout who they want with the second overall pick. There’s no reason for them to do so if they believe they can find a trade partner to give up even more assets for the Jets’ future.

That’s where a lot of these recent rumors fall flat. New York has done a good job of limiting leaks over the last year-plus under general manager Darren Mougey. Any rumor that comes out of Florham Park has to be questioned.

Are the Jets really allowing a leak to come out to tell everyone where they want to go in the draft? Or are they just trying to up the cost for a team willing to trade up?

Yates acknowledged that very point, unlike many of the national analysts who are trying to be “right” about predicting a pick.

New York doesn’t need to make a draft decision just yet. Any rumor that says otherwise isn’t telling the true story.