Jets may be hiding their true draft plans behind David Bailey buzz

For weeks, Arvell Reese felt like the obvious favorite to be the New York Jets’ pick at No. 2 overall. Then, almost seemingly overnight, the conversation changed.

A wave of plugged-in national insiders suddenly began connecting the Jets to David Bailey, with some even suggesting the standout edge rusher had become a near certainty at that pick. Perhaps not so coincidentally, around the same time, reports surfaced that the Dallas Cowboys were exploring a trade up the board for a pass rusher.

That timing is at least worth noting. None of this, of course, proves the Jets are running a smokescreen, and it is entirely possible they simply prefer Bailey. But if the Jets wanted to create uncertainty around the No. 2 pick, there would be a very logical reason to do it.

Despite what some have suggested, the Jets absolutely stand to benefit from creating deception around their first draft pick.

The Jets would benefit from a David Bailey smokescreen

The Jets sit in a powerful position this year. The Las Vegas Raiders remain locked in on quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1, which means the Jets effectively control the top of the draft. They can stay put and take their preferred player, or they can move down if the right offer comes in.

That leverage only grows if teams believe the Jets are open for business. If the rest of the league assumes the Jets are locked in on Reese, teams picking behind them may feel no urgency to call.

The Cardinals at No. 3 could simply wait and take Bailey if that is their target. The Titans at No. 4 could do the same with their preferred player. Teams farther back, like Dallas, may focus their trade-up efforts elsewhere.

But if those same teams believe Bailey is in play at No. 2, the equation changes quickly. Simply put, Daren Mougey wants calls from other teams to be directed to Florham Park, not Glendale or Nashville.

Suddenly, Arizona may want to jump one spot to secure its guy. Tennessee may feel pressure to move. Dallas could become more aggressive trying to leap into range for a pass rusher. Even if the Jets ultimately prefer Reese, Bailey buzz could still help create a bidding war.

The recent developments only add to the intrigue around the pick. Reese had been widely viewed as the Jets’ likely selection for much of the pre-draft process. Then came the sudden Bailey momentum.

SNY's Connor Hughes reported this week that the Jets canceled Bailey’s scheduled 30 visit, with the explanation being that the team already learned everything it needed to know. Maybe that is true — who knows!

But if Bailey is truly the intended pick at No. 2, it is fair to wonder why a team would pass on more private one-on-one time with a premium prospect a week before the draft. Especially when additional face time rarely hurts.

None of this confirms anything. It may all be noise. The Jets may love Bailey and draft him without hesitation. Still, Reese remains the more likely pick in the eyes of many, and for good reason.

With one week to go until draft night, the smartest thing the Jets might be doing is making sure nobody knows that.

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