The NFL Draft is around the corner, so it is only fitting that the New York Jets drop a grenade on the industry and send their fan base into an endless state of speculation. The public is still trying to make sense of the team’s recent decision to cancel its top-30 visit with Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey. One should always tread carefully when big stories surface during this time of year, but it is hard to simply dismiss this development.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter presented the two most obvious scenarios.
“You could say, ‘Well they have enough information. They are very comfortable moving ahead and drafting him, or they know they’re moving ahead in a different direction,’” the longtime insider said on “NFL Live.”
Most mock drafts have had the Jets selecting either Bailey or Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the No. 2 overall pick. Even if New York was locked-in on the former, it seems unusual to pass over the opportunity to spend more time with one of the players entrusted to lead the franchise. Though, it is possible that the organization did not want to use its limited amount of visits on a prospect it already loves.
“There are a couple of ways to look at that. You could say, ‘Well they have enough information. They are very comfortable moving ahead and drafting him, or they know they’re moving ahead in a different direction.'”
—@AdamSchefter on the Jets canceling their visit with edge David… pic.twitter.com/DmwXKjQ5t0
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 17, 2026
Bailey’s past on-field incidents are being revisited amid the Jets’ cancellation. The unanimous All-American got into a physical altercation with a cameraman after a loss to Arizona State last October and was ejected for stomping on an NC State player’s helmet while he was playing for Stanford in 2024. These outbursts could certainly raise character concerns for some teams, including the Jets.
This information was already known, but it could be a mighty convincing tiebreaker if the war room was split. Or, maybe New York just prefers Reese’s ability to operate as an off-ball LB and pass-rusher. Bailey’s productivity with the Red Raiders is tough to dispute, however.
The 6-foot-3 Californian recorded 14.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, 32 solo tackles and three forced fumbles last season. He was a huge part of Texas Tech’s best campaign in program history.
One can only speculate on how the Jets feel about David Bailey. Perhaps, after a decade and a half defined by losing, the NFL is forcing the Gang Green to contribute in other ways, like helping the league meet its manufactured drama quota. Jerry Jones cannot shoulder the burden all on his own, and Woody Johnson seems more than equipped to help.
Clarity will arrive shortly. New York will be on the clock in less than a week.
The post Adam Schefter weighs in on Jets’ canceled David Bailey visit appeared first on ClutchPoints.
