Jets more likely to go David Bailey over Arvell Reese for Aaron Glenn reason

TL;DR

The New York Jets are leaning towards selecting David Bailey over Arvell Reese with the second pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This decision is influenced by factors related to Aaron Glenn.

Jets more likely to go David Bailey over Arvell Reese for Aaron Glenn reason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Jets are the first team to truly begin the 2026 NFL Draft. Fernando Mendoza is all but locked into the first pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving the Jets at No. 2 the first uncertain pick.

But there are seemingly two options for the Jets: Ohio State's Arvell Reese or Texas Tech's David Bailey. Both are intriguing, but Bailey might be taking the lead for the second pick.

Why Bailey? Well, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Jets are more likely to go with Bailey over Reese, thanks in part to an Aaron Glenn reason.

Jets more likely to go with Bailey over Reese for HC reasons

"But they need results now. That doesn't mean they need to win 11 or 12 games this year. It does mean they need to create light at the end of the tunnel," Breer writes. "... Bailey is the guy who'll help now-help get a defensive system off the ground, help create light at the end of the tunnel."

The Jets need to see something, anything in 2026; otherwise, Aaron Glenn might be fired from his position as head coach.

After his defense failed to secure a single interception during the 2025 campaign, and following some odd coaching turnover in the offseason, there is a lot of uncertainty about Glenn's job.

More: Aaron Glenn believes Geno Smith can lead Jets to 'the promised land'

As Breer notes, "time is at a premium for Glenn and his staff." With such a limitation, picking Bailey over Reese makes sense.

Both are great prospects, but Bailey, coming off a 14.5 sack season at Texas Tech, is the much more pro-ready edge rusher than Reese is.

With Bailey being more pro-ready right now than Reese for the edge rusher position, it's not a surprise that Breer has the Jets more likely to go Bailey with the second pick.

Glenn and Darren Mougey need to keep their jobs, and taking someone like Bailey, who could help right away and give Woody Johnson even a little pause, would be ideal.