The New York Jets were on the clock at No. 2 overall and had the privilege of selecting any player not named Fernando Mendoza. While arguments were made for both David Bailey and Arvell Reese to be the pick, the New York Front office opted with Bailey. On Friday morning, an NFL insider reveals why Bailey was the optimal choice for the franchise.
While guest appearing on “The Dan Patrick Show,” Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network believes Bailey, who is 22 years old, was the best overall pass rusher in the draft. Pelissero claims that, although many were advocating that Reese could have been the pick at No. 2, his sources in the NFL believe Bailey is the better player.
“[The Jets] got the best pass rusher,” said Pelissero. “I know there was the drama publicly, and [the Jets] weren’t going to say whether it was David Bailey or Arvell Reese; they knew it was Bailey. If you talk to 10 people around the NFL, nine or 10 are going to say, ‘You have to take David Bailey.’ He’s the best pass rusher in the draft. Arvell Reese, really talented player, but it’s a projection.”
Who had a great night last night?
“I start with the #Jets.” – @TomPelissero pic.twitter.com/OFjNLRrJd7
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) April 24, 2026
David Bailey played college football for four seasons before entering the NFL Draft. His first three campaigns were with the Stanford Cardinal, where he served as a reliable pass rusher for the program. However, after transferring to the Texas Tech Raiders, Bailey stepped up as an elite force on the defensive line.
The Jets’ new edge rusher finished the 2025-26 season with 52 combined tackles (32 solo), 14.5 sacks (led the nation), three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He also led the Big 12 in tackles for loss with 19.5. Despite being an incoming rookie, Bailey brings plenty of experience to the table after playing 46 total games in his collegiate career.
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