Jets take edge rusher David Bailey over Ohio State's Arvell Reese with 2nd overall pick

David Bailey of Texas Tech was the second pick of the NFL Draft. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) Jason Miller via Getty Images The New York Jets chose the player who is most likely to help them now. That probably pleased coach Aaron Glenn.

The Jets chose Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the second pick of the draft. He is coming off a big season and was viewed as more ready to contribute right away than Ohio State edge defender/linebacker Arvell Reese, who was considered to be the other top option for that pick. The Jets came into the draft with four picks in the top 44.

The biggest pick was second overall, and it was a tough call for the team after a few quarterback prospects decided to return to college for the 2026 season. But the choice mostly came down to Reese or Bailey. The Jets, who set an NFL record by not recording an interception all last season, needed some help for the defense.

They’re mostly starting over after trading cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams last season. Bailey, who had 14. 5 sacks last season, will be expected to make an immediate impact.