NFL Draft analyst believes Jets made a mistake selecting David Bailey

Leading into the 2026 NFL Draft, it was a mystery in which direction the New York Jets were leaning with the No. 2 overall pick.

It was between Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese and Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey, and the Jets ended up opting for the perceived "higher-floor" option in Bailey. But did they make the right choice?

Bailey is going to be the more polished pass rusher right away, but Reese may have the higher ceiling. He wasn't a dedicated pass rusher with the Buckeyes, but when given the opportunity, he was incredibly productive.

Would the Jets have been better off opting for the malleable ball of clay that is Reese? Or will the Bailey draft pick's early returns work out better for the Jets and their current leadership?

CBS Sports' Mike Renner gives Jets 'C-' grade for David Bailey pick

Grading the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, CBS Sports' draft analyst Mike Renner was critical of the Jets and their Bailey selection.

"Bailey is a solid pass-rusher who will give less athletic offensive tackles fits at the next level. He's a hot-and-cold run defender, though, who struggles to set the edge. The Jets, unfortunately, already have one of those in Will McDonald."

Mike Renner

To Renner's point, Bailey, while an extremely esteemed pass-rushing prospect, will likely struggle defending the run in the pros. If both he and Will McDonald are on the field at the same time, it could spell trouble for the Jets' defense.

New York had one of the worst run defenses in the NFL in 2025, giving up 139.5 rushing yards per game to opponents, 28th most in the league last year.

If the Jets were really interested in addressing one of their bigger weaknesses last season, they may have been better off drafting Reese.

He wouldn't give them as much of a boost off the edge, but he's a staunch run defender. Reese graded out positively on 13.9% of his run-defense snaps for Ohio State in 2025, recording 18 stops and missing only two tackles, according to Pro Football Focus.

Instead, the Jets will have to hope a new scheme and some new personnel additions at linebacker and defensive tackle will assist in turning around their poor run game.

Because clearly, they can't expect to get that much help from their two first-round pass rushers.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow