Jets select David Bailey with second overall pick

All of the talk about the Jets' plans for the second overall pick heading into the draft centered on whether they would take David Bailey or Arvell Reese to bolster their defense. The answer to their edge rusher question finally came on Thursday night in Pittsburgh. The Jets made Bailey their choice shortly after the Raiders made it official with Fernando Mendoza.

Bailey led the nation with 14. 5 sacks for Texas Tech during the 2025 season and the Jets' level of interest in him became a talking point over the last week because the team canceled a visit with him during the pre-draft process. They had other interactions over the last few months, however, and Jets General Manager Darren Mougey obviously saw enough to make Bailey the man.

The Jets also have the No. 16 pick, so they'll be heard from again on Thursday night.