In many ways, the 2026 NFL Draft begins when the New York Jets are on the clock. While the Las Vegas Raiders own the first-overall pick, everyone in the world knows they’re going to use that selection on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Even free agent signee Kirk Cousins admitted that Mendoza will join the Raiders in just under a week. This effectively puts the New York Jets on the clock, and nobody knows for sure what they’ll do with their selection. However, one report indicates Gang Green has a favorite for the second-overall pick.
According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, “most of the league” believes the New York Jets will select Texas Tech edge defender David Bailey with the second-overall pick. While this is anything but official, this report makes sense, and Bailey is well worth the second-overall pick.
New York Jets Reportedly Targeting David Bailey With First Draft Pick
You can never have too many good pass rushers, and David Bailey dominated in the trenches last year for the Red Raiders. The potential second-overall pick finished the season with 14.5 sacks, tied for the most in the FBS. He was more than just a pass-rushing threat, as he also recorded 19.5 tackles-for-loss and ultimately proved to be unblockable for most of the season.
Nobody will be surprised if the Jets select David Bailey with the second-overall pick in the NFL Draft, but other worthy players will be on the board. Ohio State’s Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese are both premier talents who should immediately start on this defense, and there’s always the chance New York trades down to accumulate picks.
Of course, the Jets have another first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Thanks to the Sauce Gardner trade, New York also has the 16th-overall pick. This likely reduces the odds of a trade-down from the second-overall pick, as the Jets already have plenty of draft capital. What they lack is premium high-end talent.
