Why Jets drafted David Bailey instead of Arvell Reese at No. 2 in NFL Draft

Why Jets drafted David Bailey instead of Arvell Reese at No. 2 in NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Jets have made their pick at No. 2 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, and as Ian Rapoport reports, have decided to take Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey.

It's a fascinating selection, as for much of the offseason, Ohio State's Arvell Reese has been linked to the Jets at this second overall pick.

But the Jets went with Bailey. Why did the Jets select the Texas Tech edge rusher over the Ohio State versatile linebacker? There's a simple reason: safety.

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Why Jets picked David Bailey over Arvell Reese

"The Jets have made, rather than traded, the pick. They take Texas Tech DE David Bailey at No. 2," Rapoport reports.

The Jets took Bailey over Reese at No. 2 overall, and there was plenty of debate over this pick. But the Jets needed pass rush help, and badly.

Last year, they had 26 sacks, and couldn't rely on their current unit to produce. That's partially why Bailey, who had 14.5 sacks last season for the Red Raiders, was the pick over Reese, who had 6.5 sacks for Ohio State.